Gonzaga College High School Student Completes Project for Coveted Eagle Award

Franklin, VA -- Virginia Boy Scout Hartwell Craig this week earned the highest award in scouting after completing a service project benefiting residents of The City of Franklin, VA. For the project, Craig led construction and delivery of five picnic tables, including three ADA-compliant tables, in the county’s new 203-acre Blackwater Park. 

Craig, 16, was inspired to undertake the project because the new park, called Blackwater Park, lacked sufficient seating for recreational use. He completed the project as part of his Eagle Scout Award, the Boy Scouts of America’s highest rank. To earn the award, each candidate must earn 22 merit badges and successfully complete a community, church, or synagogue-related service project. Only about 6 percent of all eligible boy scouts earn the distinction, according to a national scouting publication.

Craig was recognized with his award at a Court of Honor ceremony on June 6, 2023. He was also recognized with two Silver Palms, representing an additional 30 merit badges earned.   Approximately 12 scouts affiliated with Boy Scout Troop 1996 of Falls Church City supported the project, which involved roughly 130 service hours. “All told, it cost about $$3,800”, Craig said, noting that “he financed the project through a grant from the City of Franklin Parks and Recreation Department.”  Franklin City Mayor Frank Rabil remarked, “We had a need and this young man stepped in and solved our problem, demonstrating real leadership in the process.  Our community appreciates the effort it took for him to help a city three hours away from his hometown.”

A rising junior at Gonzaga High School in Washington, D.C., Craig is a 2 year member of both Football and Lacrosse teams, on the yearbook staff and the photo club. He is the son of Jamie and Anne Craig. Craig joins three generations of his family as an Eagle Scout:  Grandfather, Jim Craig, Eagle Scout 1949, his father Jamie, Eagle Scout 1980, and his older Brother, Jameson, Eagle Scout 2022. 

Boy Scouts of America Troop 1996 serves youth in Falls Church City and surrounding areas and is sponsored by the National Sherriff’s Association. The troop counts more than 30 youth as members and welcomes all interested in scouting.