The Oglethorpe Echo
Hayden Simpson of Troop 97 in Crawford will be awarded Eagle Scout in a ceremony at 3 p.m. Sunday at the Crawford Depot.
He’ll be the first Eagle Scout awarded in this troop since it was revived three years ago, said Scoutmaster Jeff Simpson, Hayden’s father. Hayden, who started as a Cub Scout in the first grade, has 132 merit badges.
Hayden, 18, lives in Oconee County and is a senior at Oconee County High School. He fulfilled his Eagle service requirement by building a 5-mile compass orienteering course at Hardigree Wildlife Sanctuary in Watkinsville.
He has participated in the color guard for the Oglethorpe County homecoming parade and has volunteered at the Maxeys Christmas parade the past three years. Hayden has also volunteered at several Firefly Trail Race Series races, the Watkinsville Cops-n-Bobbers fishing tournament and as summer camp staff.
Hayden started in Troup 3537, but it folded and the Simpsons started Troop 97, which is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Oglethorpe County.
Area students earn academic honors
Caitlin Wilson, a junior from Lexington studying social science, made the Dean’s List (3.65 GPA or higher) for fall semester at Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas.
Stella Castle (Winterville), Jenna Fleming (Winterville) and Raine Ansley (Union Point) made the President's List for fall semester at Georgia College & State University.
Zoe Deaton (Winterville) and Ethan Meskin (Winterville) made the President’s List (4.0 GPA) at Georgia State for fall semester.
Rocket Callen (Arnoldsville), Deen Scott (Winterville), Lukas Ashton (Winterville) and Fernando Tirado-Guillermo (Union Point) made the Dean’s List for fall semester at Georgia State.
Lexington to hold Arbor Day festivities
Lexington, a Tree City, USA, will hold a celebration and concert on Arbor Day, which is Saturday, Feb. 17.
Events include a tree planting at the intersection of West Main and West Church Streets at 4:30 p.m., a fruit and nut bake-off at 5:30 p.m. at The Manse and a concert by The Vintage People at Historic Beth Salem Church at 6:30 p.m.