A scout since 1992, Jefferson earned 40 merit badges - nearly twice the number required - in his quest to the rank of Eagle Scout. In addition, he volunteered more than 100 hours toward a community service project with Canine Assistants, a non-profit organization that trains and provides service dogs for children and adults with physical disabilities or special needs.

 

To help the organization with beautification of the training center and to maintain zoning requirements for noise, Jefferson and members of his troop installed a 540-foot fence around the training center. Driving a John Deere tractor with an auger on the back, he drilled holes for planting 162 wax ligustrum shrubs around its periphery. Jefferson organized the project and

its safety procedures. Together with troop members and other assistants, nearly 450 hours were put into the project.

 

The son of Mac and Phyllis Bickerstaff of Dunwoody, Jefferson has been an inspirational member since he began scouting. He has sold as much as $7,000 each year in the troop's annual popcorn sale and ranked second in this year's sales for the Hightower Trail district. In addition to home schooling with his mother, he has attended the Evan Thomas International School in

Philadelphia. He understands four languages and hopes to attend college in the fall.

The December 6 event was ceremony included a commemoration conducted by Dr. and Mrs. Kent Bruner, Directors of Canine Assistants and a special recognition by former Scoutmaster Bob Melton. Council Executive David Larkin, District Director James Tolliver and District Executive Robert George also attended the ceremony.