Zack Reising never lets anything get in his way . . .
Zack Reising is an 18-year-old recent graduate of Noblesville High School, and is an adult member of Troop 183, with St. Michaels Episcopal Church. He has been in Scouting since he joined as a Cub in first grade.
Reising is an aviation enthusiast and has been pouring much time and energy into attaining his pilot’s license. Because of his cerebral palsy, there have been many curvy roads to get there, but he is determined to achieve his goals, no matter how long it takes. Eagle Scout Neil Armstrong has always been his idol and a driving force for his quest to fly.
From the beginning of the discussions about his Eagle Scout Project, Reising was focused on creating a walking trail on his church property, Bethel Lutheran Church in Noblesville. His youth group leader, Joe Rudy, was supportive of his idea from the start, and along with Kirk Pfeil, another church member, they collectively narrowed his plan down, slightly.
His Troop Committee didn’t feel as strongly about his project because the scope was so large, but after some discussion and a promise by Reising to phase the project, the Bethel Peace Trail was born.
Reising was able to raise over $10,000 in goods, services and money to commit to the entire 0.4-mile stone trail. It took moving 400 tons of dirt, 400 tons of crushed limestone and nearly 500 volunteer hours to complete the project. He also used proceeds from his popcorn sales over the years to buy and install the Peace Trail Sign. He has always said “go big or go home” and this project certainly qualified for “BIG.”
About the Merle Miller Eagle Scout Service Project Award
Eagle Scout, Scout Leader, attorney, civic leader, humanitarian and loving husband and father Merle Miller dedicated his life to service others. During his 70 years of Scouting, Merle served as Firecrafter Chief, Scoutmaster, Webelos Leader, Board Member, Council Vice President, Council President and Regional Board Member. His many Scouting honors include Minosino Firecrafter Rank and the Silver Beaver Award.
Eagle Scouts recognized with this high honor have planned and executed a service project with meaningful community impact involving effective use of the skills of leadership and extensive personal effort. The award also takes into consideration the planning and creativity involved in the project.
The Merle Miller family, Ice Miller and Crossroads of America Council proudly dedicate to his memory this annual recognition of the most outstanding Eagle Service Project through the Merle Miller Eagle Scout Service Project Award.