Within the next two months, Zarian Stephens will join an elite group that includes a number of successful men who chose vastly different professions: from presidents to scientists, astronauts to filmmakers.

Just over 2 million young men have achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in one hundred years. It is estimated that only four in every one hundred boys that join scouts accomplish this rank. That is less than one percent of the male population.

Stephens, a freshman at Union County High School, is a member of Boy Scout Troop 506, which is a Halls group. However, when he made the decision on his Eagle project, he decided to use his talents to accomplish something closer to home.

“I was hoping to provide an outdoor classroom at the high school as my project,” said Stephens. “When I found out another scout was doing that, my freshman science teacher suggested doing something at the Veterans wall in Wilson Park. After taking a look at the area, I saw that visitors had no place to sit, relax and read the plaques.”

This initiated a vision for Stephens of placing two benches facing the wall on behalf of the veterans and visitors to the wall. With the help of his troop, he also plans to border and landscape the areas at the ends of the wall and around the flagpole.

“I reached out to Mayor Bailey, the local VFW and the American Legion to finish this project,” said Stephens. “The two benches have been donated by the VFW and American Legion, and I have received additional contributions from my parents and an anonymous donor.”

The generosity of the donors enabled Stephens to purchase the benches and obtain the materials needed for landscaping. Troop leaders and members of Troop 506 were delegated the task by Stephens of helping him complete the project.

Troop leader Steve Cantrell has been with the 506 for more than three years. “I have watched Zarian grow into a fine young man and it has been just amazing to see,” said Cantrell.

Stephens is happy with his choice of project. “With the completion of this project, I have met all of the requirements needed to earn my Eagle rank," said Stephens. “All that is left is a final review and approval by the county mayor and my scouting council, and then I will advance to the rank of Eagle Scout.”

Zarian will be presented as Eagle at the next court of honor. A dedication ceremony is planned for the new benches in the near future.