By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

ALABASTER – The entrance to an Alabaster neighborhood will serve as a lasting reminder of a local Eagle Scout’s dedication to his city, and his work recently earned him praise from the city’s leaders.

Alabaster Mayor Marty Handlon presented Boy Scout Troop 20 Eagle Scout Colson Benedict with a proclamation honoring his achievements during a June 27 City Council meeting.

While working toward his Eagle Scout badge, which is the highest honor a Boy Scout can achieve, Benedict planned, organized, raised funds and completed a project to renovate the entrance to the Park Place subdivision off Kent Dairy Road.

“The neighborhood you redid the entrance on, it looks so much better than it did,” Ward 3 Councilwoman Stacy Rakestraw told Benedict.

In addition to earning his Eagle Scout badge, Benedict also has a lengthy list of achievements, including earning 25 merit badges, serving as patrol leader, quartermaster and historian for his troop and serving as a member of the National Honor Society of the Boy Scouts of America – The Order of the Arrow.

He has been indicted into the Thompson High School National Honor Society, the THS Junior ROTC Kitty Hawk Honor Society and the mathematics honor society of Mu Alpha Theta. He regularly volunteers at his church, and he owns his own lawn-mowing business.

“The Eagle Scout Award is a distinction which will follow Colson throughout life, and will be a beacon to others of the leadership quality and commitment this young man has shown,” read Handlon’s proclamation.

City Council members shared strong praise for Benedict.

“You set such a great example, and we appreciate what you’ve done for our city,” said Ward 1 Councilwoman Sophie Martin.

“Make sure you share the impact scouting has had on your life,” said Ward 2 Councilman Bob Hicks. “Scouting is the way you build a foundation for a great future.”