Even though James graduated from RHS' eSTEM Academy earlier this year, he left his mark in Reynoldsburg by building a director stand/tower for the Marching Pride.

The tower, which is two stories tall, is a permanent fixture in the practice field at RHS' Livingston Campus. James said that he chose this project to earn his Eagle Scout badge. "Marching Band was like a second home to me," said James. "I wanted a way to spread music throughout the Reynoldsburg community while keeping our band director and student directors, safe."

Previously, Mr. Gibson, the band director, used an old lift from 1998 to view the band and ensure lines were straight and visuals were clear. "He got stuck in that lift once!" said James. 

After freeing Mr. Gibson, James thought it would be better to have a permanent and taller structure to help with visuals. He submitted a plan to the Eagle Scouts, which the council had to approve, and then he had to do the fundraising and get the materials donated.

Shore Architecture provided the plans, Mr. Brad Martin was the contractor and New River Electrical donated the telephone poles that make up the supports of the structure. After a year of planning and five months of building, the structure was complete and James earned his Eagle Scout rank.

Now a freshman at OSU's Newark Campus, James has been in the Scouts since Kindergarten. "I liked connecting with people and the activities like camping and fishing," he said. "As I got older, i learned leadership skills I'll use forever."