Q&A With 9th Grade Boy Scout

Freshman John Kennedy has been involved in Boy Scouts of America since second grade. Last month, he completed his Eagle Scout project by leading a group in repairing and repainting the dugouts and bleachers at North Little Rock Elementary. Kennedy sat down with the e-Mustang staff to discuss his experience in the Scouts, his motivation behind the project, and how he balances school, football and more.

Tell us a little bit about how you got involved with Boy Scouts of America.

When I was in elementary school at Sylvan Hills, a recruiter asked if I would want to learn how to shoot a bow and arrow. That’s what initially got me into Cub Scouts. Then our Cubmaster left and my dad took over, and from there my whole family became involved with Scouting.

What made you choose the NLR facilities as your project?

You have to complete a service project, which is one of the more challenging requirements to become an Eagle Scout. I already knew Mrs. Posey, and I had seen the dugouts, and I wanted to make them look nicer for the school.

What did the day of the service project look like? How did you feel about the finished product?

About half my troop was there, and some family from friends from Cub Scouts. We got there at around nine and finished at around 2:30. Originally, when we finished the bleachers and dugouts, I thought there was still more we could do. So we came back later and put mesh on the under side of the roof to make sure wasps could not get under there, since I know my brother and other kids play there. After looking at it now, I feel much more confident that it looks good.

Outside of Boy Scouts, what activities are you involved in?

I play football for CAC, and it’s my plan to be in the upcoming play, Beauty and the Beast – I’m starting to get more and more into theater. I’m in choir, and I also play the piano – I’ve been taking lessons for about a year now.

How do you balance it all?

I have almost no free time – but that’s the way I like it. I don’t like to sit around. On the weekend, when everyone else is ready to take a break, I’m ready to do something.

What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned through your experience as a Scout?

Values. Especially coming up through CAC, you know what’s wrong and what’s right. But in Scouts you see get to see some more practical uses for it. In Scouts you’re exposed to a lot of different types of people and a lot of different scenarios and tests of whether you’re going to do right or wrong. Really, it shows you what’s out there, and how to cope and prepare for that.