Powhatan District Eagle Advisor Stephen Housley (left) joins Troop 1313 Scoutmaster Vernon Joyner (right) to congratulate Eagle Scouts (from left) Vijay Iyer, Charlie Quinn, Tom Joyner, and Jonathan Lee. Photo contributed
Four local boys who became Cub Scouts together 11 years ago were recognized recently for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest advancement award the Boy Scouts of America offers to Scouts. Troop 1313, chartered by Sunrise Valley Elementary School PTA in Reston, held a quadruple Eagle Court of Honor to recognize seniors Vijay Iyer, Tom Joyner, Jonathan Lee, and Charlie Quinn on Jan. 7.
The Eagle Scout rank is a performance-based achievement that requires the Scout to earn at least 21 merit badges and demonstrate ideals of character, service, and leadership, including organizing and leading an extensive service project. Fewer than five percent of Boy Scouts nationwide attain this illustrious rank.
On their way to achieving the Eagle rank, the boys collectively performed more than 466 hours of service to the community:
Iyer, a senior at South Lakes High School, led the construction and placement of three turtle basking platforms in Lake Audubon. The turtles now have a safe place to bask and can be seen there regularly on sunny days. His project beneficiary was the Reston Association. Iyer is the son of Ravi and Anu Iyer.
Joyner, a senior at Thomas Jefferson High School, led the construction of a compost bin and installation of deer fencing around a community garden being built at his church. His project beneficiary was Trinity Presbyterian Church in Herndon. Joyner is the son of Vernon and Kathy Joyner.
Lee, a senior at South Lakes High School, led the repair of pathways in one of the Reston community gardens. His project beneficiary was the Reston Association. Lee is the son of John and Jean Lee.
Quinn, a senior at South Lakes High School, led the removal of kudzu from the banks of the W&OD Trail at its intersection with Gallows Road. In addition to removing an invasive plant, this also improved sight lines and led to a safer environment for trail users and vehicular traffic at that point. His beneficiary was the W&OD Regional Park. Quinn is the son of Beth Sabbath and Tim Quinn.
The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetime by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. Since its chartering in the late 1980s, Troop 1313 has had 80 Scouts earn the rank of Eagle. While Sunrise Valley Elementary is undergoing renovations, the troop meets at Langston Hughes Middle School on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.troop1313.org or email troop1313information@gmail.com.