Liberty County High School senior Benajmin Shealey was made an Eagle Scout Friday, Dec. 7, during a ceremony at Hinesville First United Methodist Church. Benjamin is the son of Alisha Shealey and Staff Sgt. Wesley Kenji Shealey of Alpha Co. 2/7 Infantry on Fort Stewart. The family’s hometown of record is Orange Park, Fla. 

Benjamin, 17, is a Boy Scout in Troop 500 in Hinesville. He has been involved in scouting since he was 6-years old, according to his mother, Alisha Shealey.

“He has worked very hard over the years in order to achieve the Eagle Scout rank and would always go above and beyond what was required,” she said.  “As a Webelos scout he earned all the activity badges that were offered in order to earn a Super Achiever award.  A scout must earn 21 merit badges in order to qualify for the Eagle rank and Benjamin has earned 51.  He has also earned a variety of other additional awards along the way.”

Alisha Shealey said her son’s Eagle project began in April 2015 and concluded in September 2017. 

“He did not want to have a quick and easy project,” she said.  “[Benjamin] wanted to do something big and lasting. For his project he went to the historic Midway Museum and asked what he could do. They needed a gazebo moved so that they could host weddings and other gathering in their beautiful historic setting. This involved pulling out azalea bushes and clearing the area where the gazebo would be placed.  Then along with other volunteers he cut down a tree that need to be removed for placement of the gazebo. They then had to raise up the gazebo and load it onto a trailer and moved it to the designated place.  After it was moved it was pressure washed and checked for damage. They refurbished and re-shingled the roof.  Then they built and installed new steps for the gazebo. Lastly, the gazebo was painted.”