Completes landscaping project Atnip achieves Eagle Scout

By Janice M. Howard

As a high school senior, Boy Scout John Atnip has achieved the dream of becoming an Eagle Scout. He began his scouting career as a second-grader at West Elementary School and has been an active scout ever since. As a member of Troop 631, he currently serves as assistant senior patrol leader.

He is the son of Johnny and Gail Atnip.

Plans for Atnip’s Eagle Scout project began in March 2004. The project consisted of organizing the landscaping of an outdoor teacher area and the construction of picnic tables for an outdoor classroom at West Elementary. After gaining approval for his project from Kelly McVey Jr., scoutmaster, and Black Fox District Commissioner George Beaver Jr., the project was soon under way.

Completing an Eagle Scout project is not an accomplishment one can do alone. It requires scouts, leaders, parents and the community working together. The scout utilizes leadership skills he has gained through scouting. Only two percent of the boys who begin scouting will achieve the rank of Eagle.

“I would like to thank all the people who have helped me achieve my goals, especially my scoutmaster, Kelly McVey Jr.,” said Atnip. I am now looking forward to helping other scouts as they work toward the Eagle rank.”

Shortly after the project was completed, he heard of the death of long-time West Elementary teacher Kathy Morgan.

“I felt it would be a fitting tribute to dedicate the outdoor classroom in her memory,” Atnip said.

He presented the idea to West principal Marsha Newman and on Aug. 9 a formal dedication ceremony was held at the Kathy Morgan Outdoor Classroom. In attendance were teachers and staff from the school, special guest Steve Morgan, and close friends of Mrs. Morgan, David and Judy Rubley.

“I hope many students can use this outdoor classroom and remember the great impact Mrs. Morgan had on the youth of Warren County.”

John Atnip, a member of Boy Scout Troop 631, recently organized the landscaping for an outdoor teaching area at West Elementary School while earning the rank of Eagle Scout. Then, the Kathy Morgan Outdoor Classroom was named to honor the memory of the deceased educator. From left, David and Judy Rubley, Steve Morgan, Atnip and Marsha Newman, West Elementary principal.