It took a while, but Davidson earned his Eagle rank

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June 30, 2009

W. TERRY SMITH The Daily Southerner Tue Jun 30, 2009, 10:26 AM EDT

John Davidson started his Eagle project like a house afire, replacing carpet tile and painting the walls at the Edgecombe County Veterans Museum downtown.

But that was two summers ago when Davidson had just finished his sophomore year at Tarboro High School. High school juniors and seniors tend to get busy.

In fact, Davidson was selected to attend the North Carolina School of Science and Math. And he did, long enough to realize he would rather be back at THS.

“It just wasn’t for me,” he said.

So Davidson came home and made his time at school count. He ran cross country and made all-conference in tennis.

He won an AP Scholar Award “in recognition for his exceptional achievement” (a 3.75 average on four Advanced Placement tests) his junior year.

He was active in the National Honor Society and Environmental Awareness Club, and this month he graduated as the Class of 2009’s valedictorian.

He has been awarded several scholarships and will attend Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem.

“I’m looking at biology or chemistry,” he said. “I’m not sure yet.”

In addition to school, Davidson was active in Calvary Episcopal Church’s youth group and an acolyte.

His Eagle project?

“I was kinda worried I’d run out of time,” he said.

"John did an outstanding job on the hall," said Carol Banks, museum curator. "All the walls were repaired and painted. He worked with some of his Scout troop. He finished on schedule. Very reliable. A great leader, and I wish him the best."

The Eagle project was finished, but he still lacked some merit badges. He needed 21, 10 of which are required.

“We met and talked,” said Troop 96 Scoutmaster Scott Bynum. “He had gotten tied up in other things, but he made a commitment to get his Eagle. I think he showed great character.”

Eagle Scout is the highest rank in Boy Scouts. Less than 2 percent of Scouts achieve it.

Davidson had been in Scouting since kindergarten when he was a Tiger Cub.

His Eagle award means seven boys in Troop 96 who graduated from high school this year attained Eagle: Davidson, Jordan Bynum, Scott Harrell, Brad Killebrew, Kyle Norville, Thomas Tolson and Weeks Worsley.

“A really good group,” said their scoutmaster.

“Scouting was a really good experience,” Davidson said. “It teaches you how to live your life and give back to the community.”

Davidson is the 18-year-old son of reading coach Bill and county Board of Education member Janice Davidson – and a twin. His sister Kari will attend UNC-Wilmington and study nursing.

St. James United Methodist Church in Tarboro sponsors Troop 96.

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