Courtesy photo
Drew McLauchlan is working toward his Eagle Scout award

Drew McLauchlan has been involved in Boy Scouts since he was seven years old.

He is now 16 and working toward his Eagle Scout award. The Woodinville High School junior has had many great learning experiences during his years as a Scout and feels particularly fortunate to have obtained numerous life skills in the process.

For his Eagle Scout project, McLauchlan is making concrete markers for the 60 unmarked graves in the Woodinville Cemetery. After the markers are made and installed, he will glue marble slabs that have been inscribed with information to identify the 60 individuals buried in the graves.

“The biggest challenge for me will be in creating all 60 markers, which are basically 6x12x6 concrete bricks, and then waiting for them to dry,” explains McLauchlan. “I started drawing up the plans for the project about a year ago and I plan on finishing it before school resumes in September. Then I need to earn a few more merit badges before I can send my application in to the national level. I hope to receive my award sometime early next spring if all goes according to plan.”

McLauchlan had budgeted approximately $150 for the project, with most of the money to come out of his own pocket.

But now, that situation has changed. The Woodinville teen was helping out at the Woodinville Cemetery this past Memorial Day, distributing descriptions of the self-guided tours that were available to visitors, when he was approached by a gentleman.

“He commended me for helping and he began asking me about my upcoming Eagle Scout service project,” says McLauchlan. “He knew I was in Scouts because I was wearing my uniform. He told me that he was a former Scoutmaster and was there to visit the grave of one of his scouts who had died and was buried in the cemetery.”

McLauchlan continues to explain that the man appeared very interested in his project and questioned him closely about it. Then, he left to go about his business and McLauchlan resumed his work.

About a half hour later, the man pulled back into the cemetery in his car. He leaned out of his window and handed the teen an envelope with the Bank of America logo on it, telling him that it was for his Eagle project.

“I was only able to thank him before he quickly drove away,” adds McLauchlan. “It was only then that I realized the envelope contained $100. I was so surprised! My reaction was one of absolute disbelief.”

The only information the teen has about the man is that he goes by the name of “Dave” and that he was a former Scoutmaster. Nothing like this has ever happened to McLauchlan before and he is very touched by this random act of kindness.

He says, “I still can’t believe he did that. All I can say is that kindness is definitely something that Scouting tries to instill in its members, so this man was taking the values he learned as a Scout to the highest levels.” McLauchlan will use the money to complete his project. He only wishes he could properly thank the gentleman who has helped him come one step closer to achieving his goals.