By REED RAMBOUGH

Sam Shoemaker, a member of Kingston’s Boy Scout Troop 1555, recently completed his Eagle Scout project. With the help of volunteers and other Scouts, Sam refurbished the Fourth Avenue Trail in Kingston, giving it easier access and making it easier to use. For eight hours Oct. 25, Sam and his crew worked on putting in steps, making the trail wider and leveling the ground.

Sam is planning to go before the Eagle review board as soon as possible. He wishes to thank everyone who helped him in the project including Scouts Dylan Sparks, Nick Ragland, Dewey and Logan Jacot, John and Ryan Griffin, Reed and Jackson Rambough, Jamison Bruce, Nat Walker, Dane Foster, Robert Karen, Joe Shoemaker and Jefferson Green. Also, thanks go out to the adult helpers Robin Shoemaker, Shannon Coddington, Frank Rambough, Doug Jacot, Piper Ragland and Debbie Griffin. Special thanks to Fischer General Contracting and A&L Topsoil, and to Robin Shoemaker who donated pizza and cookies.

Sam, 17, is the son of Michael and Robin Shoemaker and has been in Scouting for 12 years, including Cub Scouts. He has earned 33 merit badges as a Boy Scout and served as senior patrol leader, instructor and troop guide.  Since September, he has also been a member of the Order of the Arrow. In addition to his merit badges, Sam is most proud of his service to the community and his leadership. Among his special Scouting activities were trips to Camp Parsons and hikes.

Sam is a senior at Kingston High School and participates in tennis and track, but his favorite sport is skiing. He hopes to attend college at Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo or Gonzaga University.

Sam has been a benefactor to Troop 1555 and Kingston. The troop wishes him much him success and happiness in his life’s endeavors.