High School Senior Achieves Eagle Scout Status

A congratulatory letter from all living presidents, as well as letters from the Senate and House of Representatives came pouring in when Andrew E. Simmons, a senior at Muhlenberg Township, had been named Eagle Scout.

Also, he received more than twenty certificates from local companies and organizations.

Family members, friends and local officials celebrated Andrew’s achievement as an Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremony at Good Shepherd United Church of Christ in Muhlenberg Township on October 22. About 135 people were in attendance.

Andrew joined Cub Scouts when he was eight.  

Over the years, he learned it would take hard work, commitment and leadership to move higher in the ranks.

For instance, Eagle Scouts are required to lead and complete a service project for an organization other than scouting.

For his project, Andrew planned and carried out the planting of twenty-nine large trees at Jim Dietrich Park. He also mulched and watered the trees until the first frost, he says.

“I chose to plant Scarlett Oak, Dogwood, Hackberry, Willow oak, and Winter King trees because I knew that they would last for years to come. Also, they would provide shade and help the look of the park,” he shares.

Andrew currently volunteers at the Greater Berks Food Bank and is very involved in the scout’s national honor society where he will be vice chief of his lodge next year.   

He credits his mom, Robin, and his dad, Mike, for their help and support.

“I would not have been able to reach Eagle without them,” he says. “They helped and encouraged me in many ways from going on camping trips to washing my dirty clothes.”

Andrew, who enjoys social studies, math and science in school is undecided about his career path, but he says he is leaning towards a career in business.  

“He’s worked real hard,” says Mike, who believes his son’s achievement will pay off in the future. “I think it’s an amazing accomplishment. We are very proud of him.”   


Original article published in The Reading Merchandiser, December 2016.