John Smith Gaddy of Latta was recently awarded the rank of Eagle Scout.
This is the highest award given by the Boy Scouts of America.
Smith is a member of Boy Scout Troop 777. He is also a member of the Order of the Arrow, Scouting National Honor Society.
Smith earned his Eagle Scout rank October 4, 2011 and received the Eagle Scout award from the Eagle Scout Court of Honor at Latta United Methodist Church on March 11, 2012.
Smith has been involved in scouting since he was six years old.
He was an active member of the Cub Scouts, where he earned his Arrow of Light (awarded for the highest rank in Cub Scouting), before becoming a member of the Boy Scouts.
His Eagle Scout project consisted of refurbishing the Youth Barn at Latta United Methodist Church.
This project included painting on the inside and outside of the building, removing old carpet and replacing it with new carpet, constructing a French drain, erecting an awning, identifying the building as the “Youth Barn,” and doing some minor landscaping around the building.
The project was of benefit to the youth group in that it provides them with a nice, safe, comfortable place to meet. This group serves as an avenue to help perpetuate the importance of good, Christian, moral behavior.
This project benefits the people in the community because the youth welcomes all youth regardless of their sex, race, or church denomination.
This positive outreach will hopefully change lives for the better.
Smith is appreciative of the support and encouragement given to him by fellow scouts, family, friends, and church members.
Smith is the son of Richard and Rebecca Gaddy and the grandson of Eloise H. Smith and Doris N. Gaddy, all of Latta.
Boy Scout Troop 777 functions under the leadership of Rick Gardner, Scoutmaster, and Richard Gaddy, Billy Miller, and Bill Tyler, assistant scout masters.
