Matthias earns Eagle Scout rank

TOP PHOTO: Part of Eric Matthias’ Eagle Scout project was a walking trail and bench at Cove Lake Park.

By Charlotte Underwood   

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – Campbell County High Senior Eric Matthias has earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He is in Boy Scout Troop 310 and completed his Eagle Scout project in November 2020 after months of hard work.

His project consisted of a quarter-mile walking trail that leads down to a bench and the water at Cove Lake State Park. After discussing the project with the management at park and obtaining clearance, he then began designing the project and trail.  He and several friends worked hard at clearing trees and brush from the area and leveling for the trail. It took around six months to complete.

“I had a lot of great help from friends,” Matthias said, adding that he wanted to thank all of his friends who had helped on the project, especially his friend Skeyevinn Nelson. “He came out and helped me a lot; it didn’t matter if it rained, he was there,” Matthias said.

According to Matthias, he wanted to do a walking trail as his project as a way to share his “love of nature and being outside in the wilderness with others.” Matthias added, “It’s in a nice spot to get away from traffic and at the end of the trail there is a dam and water and a bench to sit on; it’s peaceful.” The trail is located across the four lane from Cove Lake State Park and is on park property.

Matthias, who plays trumpet, said it was his CCHS band director Adam Wright who helped him plan out the trail. “My band director really encouraged me and helped me a lot with the project so he gets a special thank you.”  

Matthias began Boy Scouts when he was around 12- years- old. He said he joined because of his love of being outside and doing outside activities. “Boy Scouts results in you learning a lot of stuff about your interests and what you want to do. It will make you a better human being,” Matthias said. According to him, the best thing about Boy Scouts is “being able to hang out with your friends outside but also learning things you need to know to survive and be successful at life,” Matthias said. 

He said he wanted to thank his friend Stewart Thacker, Scout Master Chris Thacker and scout committee chair Crystal Thacker for their support from the very beginning when he joined the troop. He also had a special thank you to his parents Miriam and Bill Matthias for their support over the years, as well as to all of his “church family.”

After graduation from high school, Matthias said he wants to attend Walters State Community College and has eventual plans to become a firefighter or a paramedic. He is currently a member of the Volunteer Fire Department at Ridgewood.  (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 03/12/2021-6AM)