Cole Mullins, a Coronado High School sophomore and member of Boy Scout Troop 801 recently completed his Eagle Scout Service Project, for which he designed, planned, organized and updated the garden at Coronado Middle School. The Coronado Times (CT) asked Cole a bit about himself and about his Eagle Scout Service Project.
CT: Tell our readers a little bit about yourself. How long have you lived in Coronado? Favorite class at school?
Cole: I have lived in Coronado my whole life. I am currently a sophomore at Coronado High School. I am on the Cross Country and Track teams and love to serve my community. My favorite class at CHS is AP Chemistry with Mrs. Kim. I really enjoy the high school and think that the teachers do a great job of engaging the students.
CT: Tell us about your Eagle Scout Service Project (the idea, who helped, financial assistance, timeline, etc.)
Cole: My Eagle Scout project was refurbishing the Coronado Middle School garden. The first thing that was done was a clean-up of the whole garden, which consisted of weeding and taking out any random items that were in the garden area. A new sprinkler system was installed and donated by the Youngblood family because what was currently there was found to be dysfunctional. Next, all four rotted redwood planter boxes were taken out and replaced with new and clean redwood. The outside planter box, which went around the edge, was taken out so that the garden could be more wheelchair accessible. After the planter boxes were installed, my troop and friends replaced the soil and replanted the whole garden. We also replaced and installed a new storage shed. The garden consists of herbs, vegetables, succulents, flowers, fruits, and many other types of plants. I also added hanging baskets, fence baskets, and completed the work station by adding a top to it.
I had over 50 scouts, friends, and family assist me with my project. My project’s total cost was $3,473. I fundraised and received donations from the Optimist Club, the Rotary Club, the Glorietta Bay Inn, grandparents, church members, and family. I also received a custom made sign donated and made by Kraig Nicolls from Nicolls Design Build. It took me six months to complete the whole project.
CT: How did you first get interested in scouting? Did you always think you’d go all the way to Eagle Scout? And what’s next?
Cole: I joined Cub Scouts in 2nd grade when my mom signed me up. Becoming an Eagle Scout was my goal from the beginning. I told myself that I would complete it no matter how many bumps in the road I faced. After I receive my Eagle Scout, my goal is to complete all of the 138 merit badges. I currently have 100 merit badges.
NOTE: Cole officially became Troop 801’s newest Eagle Scout on April 10 at the San Diego Imperial Council meeting.
CT: What are some of your best scouting memories?
Cole: My best memories in Scouting were Philmont, which was an 80 mile backpacking trek through the Lower Rockies near Cimarron, New Mexico, and Florida Sea Base, where I stayed on an island in the Florida Keys for a week with fellow troop members.
CT: What lessons has scouting taught you?
Cole: Scouting has taught me how to be a good leader. I have learned many life lessons through the merit badges I have taken. It has allowed me to meet people of all backgrounds and learn important skills such as CPR, lifesaving techniques, scuba diving, boating, and wilderness survival.
CT: What other hobbies, sports or activities do you do?
Cole: Running is my passion. I enjoy being active in my community through service clubs like the Interact and Junior Optimist Club. I also am part of St. Paul’s Youth Group. At the high school I enjoy being involved in student government and various clubs (Mock Trial, HOSA, Best Buddies, Red Cross Club, Interact, Junior Optimist)
CT: What are your plans for after high school?
Cole: After high school I would like to go to Medical School to become a doctor to help those in need of medical care.
Congratulations Cole! We imagine continued success in all of your endeavors.
Images courtesy of Joe and Condra Mullins.
