By PHOEBE DONALD ROBINSON / Community Columnist

Scouting is a tradition in the Reece family of Wilsonville.

Dad Ron has been the Cubmaster of Troop 588 for over 10 years; son Noah, a junior at Shelby County High School, has just obtained his Eagle rank in Troop 588; and son Daniel, a second grader at WES, is a Bear Cub in Pack 588.

Mom Darlene and other siblings Dane, graduate of Huntington College, and Christopher, a senior at University of North Alabama, support their father and brothers.

All four Reece children have attended Wilsonville Elementary School which has had a huge impact of the Reece family.

When Noah had to decide what to do for his Eagle project, his father advised him.

“I feel that scouting makes young men out of boys,” said Ron. “I told him to think what he can do to have a lasting benefit to the Wilsonville community.”

“I grew up at WES,” said Noah. “I thought of all the projects that I could do and I kept coming back to WES. What could I do that would have a lasting impact for future generations? I saw that the WES indoor garden was in poor condition, and I thought to clean up the garden and make permanent planting beds would be something that would be visible and improve the school. Scouting has been so important to my life. It has given me self-respect, taught me responsibility and it is fun.”

Principal Maria Tidmore was thrilled with Noah’s project.

She had wanted to improve the garden, which sits in the center of the elementary school hub.

“I am thrilled with Noah’s project,” said Tidmore. “The outdoor classroom renovation has made a huge difference to WES. The GT (gifted and talented) units have used it already this year. GT teacher Deb Owsley received a WAY (Wellness, Academic and You) grant to purchase two tower gardens, which the GT class will plant this spring and transplant into the garden. Last year they grew tomatoes and okra, and the winter pansies and plants were donated by Master Gardeners Emily and Larry Gravitt. Noah did a great job.”