DAPHNE, Ala. — The final step in achieving the rank of Eagle Scout is a community service project for formidable scope; planned and led by the young man who would be an “Eagle.” And anyone who knows the Boy Scouts is aware that it’s not just a one-Scout show. Family, friends and local businesses contribute extensive resources to help accomplish the project.

In the case of 17-year-old Trent Caldwell, numerous members of two local Scout troops have also pitched in. The would-be Eagle is a member of Troop 47, sponsored by Fairhope Baptist Church. Working side by side with Troop 47 Scouts are members of Troop 174, sponsored by Daphne Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Both Scout troops are members of the Baldwin district of the Greater Mobile Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

The project comprised repairing and repainting approximately 2,000 feet of wooden fence surrounding Daphne Elementary School on Main Street. The school is undergoing extensive renovations, utilizing government funds. The Eagle project receives no government underwriting. Much of the fence is covered with algae and mold, and paint has chipped off over the years. Vehicles have struck fence posts and broken or cracked them. The efforts of Caldwell and his “team” are giving the school’s exterior a much-needed facelift.

“It’s amazing to see these young men give up their Saturday mornings to work in blistering heat and humidity to help the community,” Bruce Palmer, Scoutmaster 174, said.  “They receive no reward except the satisfaction of doing a ‘good deed.’ And the whole project is moving forward with only minimal adult involvement.”

Caldwell is the son of Michael and Melissa Andreasen of Daphne. He expects to complete the project by the end of July.