Laker Completes Eagle Scout Project

Laker Completes Eagle Scout Project
Posted on 08/31/2018
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O'Connor's Point Sign

After years of gaining experience and hard work, an Indian Lake High School student recently earned his Eagle Scout Award. 

This summer sophomore Ryan Braig, of Belle Center, completed a project to refurbish the large O’Connor’s Point sign along State Route 117 north of Huntsville. For decades this sign has pointed the way to Braig’s neighborhood, a historic area of Indian Lake. It had fallen into disrepair over the years, so he decided to give it a facelift for his Eagle Scout project. 

Braig explains, “It’s something I see everyday as I leave and come home. I knew fixing it would be important to my neighbors and help with traffic.” 

Braig researched the materials needed to repair the sign, including metal fabrication and reflective lettering. Then he commissioned the O’Connor’s Point Neighborhood Association for permission to execute the project. 

Association President Tom O’Connor remembers the sign once pointed the way to his family’s longtime business, O’Connor’s Landing. After fire claimed the Landing in 1985, the area later became known as the O’Connor’s Point neighborhood. 

“The sign is somewhat iconic. It’s been standing at least since the 1940s, when I was a kid. People know that arrow.” 

Braig enlisted of help of several O’Connor’s Point residents to assist in the makeover, making it a true neighborhood project.  In several work sessions, they cleaned the metal and removed the old lettering and reflective tape. Neighbor Pat Culp helped Braig create and cut out the new vinyl lettering at Vital Signs. The group later cleaned up the landscaping and applied the reflective lettering and tape, helping the sign stand out. 

Braig is an active member of the Troop #182 Boy Scouts based out of the Harold Kerr VFW Post in Bellefontaine. Scout Master Tom Irick explains that just one in every 100 Boy Scouts actually earns the nationally recognized Eagle Scout Award after completing at least 21 Merit Badges. Irick says Braig has compiled more than 30 Merit Badges, hiked more than 200 miles, camped more than 60 days, participated in the Boy Scouts National Jamboree camping experience and completed National Youth Leadership Training in the past 6 years.  

“Ryan is the perfect scout and a well-rounded individual. He uses his scouting experience in all parts of life including his academics, athletics, church involvement and community involvement.”

Braig presented his completed Eagle Scout projected to the Board of Review in early September, officially earning this prestigious award.