Beatty Darr paves his way to Eagle Scout

The flagpole at Oakwood (Sherwood) Cemetery has a new look thanks to 14-year-old Beatty Darr and his Scout group. Beatty, who has been in Scouting since he was nine years old, called Rushford City Hall in search of a project to complete his Eagle Scout level. He was referred to Jack O’Donnell, who suggested he do something around the flagpole at the cemetery. Beatty chose to create a paver and concrete surround for the flagpole.

Beatty’s grandfather, Dennie Darr, was his project coach; he helped Beatty type up his proposal and get the necessary supplies. 

Beatty had to contact Croell Redi-Mix of Rushford to obtain the concrete. Croell delivered the concrete to the site and cut off the usual small load fee for Beatty. 

The first step was to lay a concrete ring around the outer edge of the planned area. Forms were placed around the outer and inner edge of the circle and the concrete was poured. It was smoothed with a 2×4 and then troweled. Beatty let the concrete cure for an hour and then checked it, troweled it, and broomed it to add texture to the concrete. The following day, the forms were removed. 

Cold weather from April 13-17 slowed the project. On April 17 all the Rushford scouts, Scoutmaster Tom Butterfield, and Wayne Johnson came and placed the pavers between the concrete ring and the actual flagpole. Since the flagpole was already installed, it was more difficult to space the ring and pavers correctly; each row of pavers was different from the others. 

According to Beatty, the hardest part of the project was telling the Scouts what to do and not do it himself. Since the project is about showing leadership, it was important for Beatty to lead and then have the scouts follow his examples and instruction. 

Beatty detailed the classes of Scouting: Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and Eagle. In order to qualify for Eagle Scout he needed to earn 21 merit badges and be in scouts long enough as well as complete his Eagle Scout project. Eagle Scout is the highest class;  however, Eagle Palms can be earned for 5, 10, 15 or more merit badges beyond the required 21 for Eagle Scout. 

After completing his project, Beatty had to go through a Board of Review with two or three people from the council. He has not heard the results of the review as of yet.

Beatty intends to continue in Scouting; he commented, “I gotta give back for all they gave to me!” He emphasized that the important part of the project wasn’t just the project, but rather it was becoming an Eagle Scout. He added that it looks good on a resume to have obtained the Eagle Scout rank. “People know you are able to commit,” he declared. 

Beatty admitted that it took a lot of nagging himself to type up his proposal, submit the proposal, and get the prices and supplies lined up. He observed that he has “noticed a big difference (in himself) in talking to people” after his project. He added,“I feel more accomplished; this is the most important thing I’ve done in my life.”

When asked why others should join Scouting, Beatty said his main goal was to meet new people, learn outdoor skills, and leadership. For him as a homeschooler, Scouting offered a social opportunity as well. 

Beatty, who will be in the 10th grade in July, plans on taking PSEO in the future at Minnesota State College Southeast in Winona. He is not ready to declare any other future goals; he declared, “Life will take you – sometimes you gotta embrace it!”

Wherever life takes Beatty, one thing is certain; he will use those leadership skills he learned in his Scouting experience!