Keegan Parady, a member of Lackawanna District’s Troop 220, earned his Eagle Scout rank in January.
For his project, the Pitcairn resident purchased and installed shelving for Gateway High School’s food pantry.
The Eagle Scout award is the highest honor available to Boy Scouts of America youth members. Only about 2% of all members achieve Eagle Scout rank.
Parady raised money for the shelving by selling candy and chocolate at the Pitcairn Hose Company #1 and the Monroeville Fire and EMS Expo last March. He also organized a spaghetti dinner at the Pitcairn Park Building in April. He was able to raise enough funds to purchase all of the shelving, which cost about $4,000.
The pantry serves as the source of meals for approximately 650 families during the monthly drive-thru distribution, as well as the weekly backpack program.
The sophomore, along with a team of youth and adult volunteers, constructed and installed the shelving units. The project helped to create a safer, more organized space for volunteers to work and navigate the pantry.
“When I completed my project, it felt good knowing that I am able to help so many people, and the room looks nice,” Parady said.
Bill Fiedler, BSA Lackawanna District Eagle Reporter volunteer, said he received several positive recommendation letters from community members on Parady’s behalf.
“Mr. Parady was spoken very highly of as an individual that lives as an example of the 12 points of the Scout Law and Scout Oath and is a leader in his school and community,” Fiedler said.
The 12 points of the Scout Law — also referred to as the fundamental principles of Scouting — describes the values that every Scout should follow to become an upstanding member in their community.
“The Eagle Scout is one who has lived the Scout Oath and Law exemplified in their character,” Fiedler said. “A Scout demonstrates physical and mental ability, their duty to God and country, and their duty to their community.”
Keegan’s mom, Kristen Parady, has been a Scout leader for more than 20 years.
“I am so proud of Keegan and his accomplishments,” she said.
In addition to scouting and volunteering at the Food Pantry, Parady is a member of the school’s tech department, where he works on hardware and helps to troubleshoot technical issues. Parady is also a member of Gateway’s e-sports team and aspires to be the team captain.
