Hudson Ewald, a Life Rank Boy Scout at Troop 87, Hillsboro Presbyterian Church, had an idea for a great “Eagle Project” – making a few key improvements to Redoubt No. 1, one of BONT’s signature historic sites located on Benham Avenue.
Before Scouts can become fully qualified to achieve Scouting’s highest rank of Eagle, Scouts must complete a significant “service project” that benefits a school, religious institution, or community organization. As part of the project, the Scout must demonstrate not only a solid plan and a willingness to put in the time and effort, but also, the important quality of leadership by organizing others to help achieve the common goal.
Hudson, noting that the Redoubt needed some cleanup and improvement, zeroed in on the 161-year-old earthwork for his Project, including laying a path for viewers to safely walk on the preserved works without damaging the fragile grounds, touch-up landscaping, and with permission from the neighbor, removed a large portion of bamboo/cane and tree limbs. He had wood boards replaced on and around the kiosk platform.
Hudson is a 16-year-old sophomore at Montgomery Bell Academy and is considering several universities such as Auburn, Vanderbilt and Sewanee. He was accompanied by his father and mother, Mark and Trina Ewald, his sister who is a member of Troop 78, and his “team” including fellow Troop 87 Scouts, Adult Leaders and friends from MBA along with his Scoutmaster Emeritus, Richards Hill, who is Battle of Nashville Trust board member.
Bobby Whitson, President of BONT, thanked Hudson and his “Eagle team” and the fathers who assisted them, noting the importance of involving young people in the preservation of Nashville history, and expressing the Board’s appreciation for a great service project that made a difference at the site. Whitson gave a presentation on the Battle of Nashville to the group which many of the Scouts continued to discuss around the campfire on their recent campouts.
Hudson Ewald, Eagle Scout candidate, at Redoubt No. 1 with his team
