Waynesburg Central High School sophomore Duncan Barto was in kindergarten when, influenced by the older children, he decided that he wanted to participate in Boy Scouts of America. He liked what he saw in their skills and character, which included their “dedication to serving others.”
Several years, 61 merit badges, and 237 hours of community service later, Duncan, age 16, has been awarded the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout.
During his acceptance speech at Troop 1280’s Court of Honor ceremony held at the Greene County Fairgrounds on March 3, Duncan spoke of his desire to “leave a positive impact on the community while striving to become the best version of myself.” Stating, “I couldn’t have made it here alone,” he thanked “family, friends, scout leaders, and everyone who encouraged me along the way.” He also credited his parents, Mark and Christy, calling them the cornerstone of his success.
To obtain rank of Eagle Scout – the highest rank attainable in the BSA – a young person must earn a minimum of 21 merit badges, exhibit Scout Spirit, demonstrate leadership within their troop, and plan, develop, and lead a service project. After these requirements are met, the candidate must undergo an Eagle Scout board of review.
For Duncan’s service project, he chose to make renovations to his high school’s track barn, where the track team’s equipment is stored. This labor-intensive undertaking included replacement of two doors, painting the exterior, replacing the gutter and downspout systems, and repairing a portion of the floor.
The track barn renovation is an impressive feat for a young man already actively involved in a myriad of other time-consuming scholastic activities. Duncan is a member of the marching and concert bands (bass drum), Drama Club (stage crew), Debate Team, Academic League, Student Council, Leo Club, and Engineering Club. He throws discus, javelin, and shot put for the track team, and plays on the soccer team – lettering in both sports. His mom told me that he also helps tend the family’s chickens, two cats, and their Great Pyrenees, Rex. Whew!
Duncan has one sibling, a sister, Rowan, age 20, who studies mechanical engineering at WVU. Duncan, too, plans to study engineering – “I’m leaning towards either mechanical or aerospace.”
To learn more about Duncan’s Service Project, check out the website he developed at https://sites.google.com/view/duncan-barto-eaglescoutproject/home. Here you’ll be able to see before-and-after photos of the track barn renovation and a list of sponsors.
Congratulations and thank you, Duncan. You are an asset to the community!