Ryan Messina, age 16, has earned the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest rank within the Boy Scouts of America program. He is a member of Troop 254, chartered to Tyner United Methodist Church in Chattanooga, under the direction of current Scoutmaster Rick Shank.
Ryan demonstrated leadership to others in a service project that benefited a local community agency. He and his helpers repainted the gazebo at the Chattanooga Area Food Bank.
The Chattanooga Area Food Bank currently has a service area of 20 counties in Southeast Tennessee and northwest Georgia.
Ryan said his Eagle Project at the Chattanooga Area Food Bank was amazing. "I was proud of what I was able to create,” he said.
When Ryan is not involved in Scouting activities, he enjoys playing basketball. He has earned several awards, both as an individual player on his team and as a member of the All Star team.
One of Ryan’s favorite scouting memories is attending winter camp with his fellow Scouter, Braden, in the middle of the winter.
His most notable Scout leader was Michael Valle, and the scouting quote that is most prevalent to Ryan is “A week of camp life is worth six months of theoretical teaching in the classroom.” - author unknown.
"The Cherokee Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America sends our warmest congratulations to Ryan on achieving the rank of Eagle Scout," officials said. "We know that this accomplishment took a great deal of time and effort on his part."
The Council includes 11 counties in Southeast Tennessee and Northwest Georgia. They serve 5,000 youth and family members who annually contribute more than 20,000 community service hours.
To learn more about Scouting, call 423-892-8323 or visit www.cherokeeareabsa.com.