Myron Davis uses teamwork, perseverance to reach for Eagle Scout status
NORRISTOWN — Myron Davis, a member of Troop 752 Norristown, sponsored by Mt. Zion AME Church located on Willow Street in Norristown, used his acumen as a football player to help him reach Eagle scout status. And he cleared the hurdle while facing a tough opponent — COVID-19.
Myron began planning his Eagle Project late in 2019, obtaining permission for his project by both the local Scouting District and Norristown Farm Park Superintendent Ken Shellenberger. Myron was required to lead the project by supervising members of his troop and some of his teammates from the Norristown Area High School football team.
The project involved improving the Tree Identification Trail, removing old posts, cutting and installing new posts to a standard height to American Disabilities Act-ADA guidelines. His troop members and other helpers replaced the numbered metal plates atop each post. His volunteers also cleared brush and overgrowth around each tree and to highlight the subject tree along with mulching.
After fundraising and purchasing materials he had permission to begin in late February of this year. Myron’s plans were to begin his project in mid-March as soon as the weather improved and the ground thawed. Then COVID-19 came along and brought everything to a full stop.
When he had permission to commence sometime in mid-June both county and scouting virus protection protocols had to be followed for each person helping.
Myron devised small working teams to keep them separate and socially distanced, provided for masking and temperature checked every volunteer each time they helped and had them complete a COVID-19 screening questionnaire, to ensure the safety of his volunteers.
Through all the COVID-19 and expected project barriers Myron persisted, motivating his volunteer helpers and overcoming the numerous real-life obstacles presented to him. Myron is a natural leader and with his project interruptions he grew that much more. Myron is a true asset to his troop, his church Mt. Zion AME and his community.
According to Dave McCarraher, Troop 752 Committee, “Myron is the 44th Eagle Scout from Troop 752. We are especially proud of his diligence on his project with the roadblocks and obstacles he overcame.”
Myron’s mother said the following:
A young man from the Youth and Young Adults Ministry of Mt. Zion AME Church, Norristown. His pastor is the Reverend Carlos D Bounds, his Presiding Elder is Reverend Dr. Janet J. Sturdivant, and his mother is Reverend Joan L. Davis. He is featured in the Times Herald. Even in the midst of the crisis my son did not allow COVID 19 prevent him from reaching his goal. Sharing a little about my son, Myron at the age of 4 in Kindergarten he said to me “mommy someone came to my school telling us about Cub Scout, and I want to join.” I was a little resistance but I saw in his eyes something different and I said okay. He never gives up and today 18 years old he is the 44th scout from his troop 752 to earned his eagle scout. Mom and your siblings proud of you Myron.
Reprinted with permission from the Times Herald of Norristown.
