By ANNA BROWN

When it came time to pick an Eagle Scout Project, Paul Greer III wanted to do something that would benefit both his school and the community.

He chose to make improvements to the cross country course at his school, Union County High, including signs to better mark the 3.1-mile course and benches located in a central location.

“I definitely learned responsibility and how to carry out a project and complete it,” said the 17-year-old senior. “I learned how to work well with others.”

Greer’s project passed the Eagle Scout Board of Review on Dec. 9, 2008, and the Eagle Scout Court of Honor was held on March 1 at Tabernacle Baptist Church. He also is a Lifetime Member of the National Eagle Scout Association.

The Eagle Badge was presented by Greer’s father and scoutmaster, Paul Greer Jr. His mother, Karen, pinned the badge on him.

“I encouraged him to have the vision of an eagle — to see far into the future — and that way he would always be prepared to lead in the right direction,” Paul Jr. said.

Greer has been involved in Scouting since he was a young boy. He was a Webelos Scout in Pack 42 and earned the Arrow of Light on May 3, 2002. He joined Troop 42, which meets at Grace United Methodist Church, on Sept. 9, 2002. After he crossed over from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts, he became a member of the Road Runner Patrol and was selected to serve as senior patrol leader of his troop. He also has been troop bugler.

He attended summer camp at Camp Bob Hardin in 2003, 2004 and 2005 and completed the mile swim at Camp Bob Hardin on June 14, 2005, in 1 hour and 2 minutes.

He was inducted into the Order of the Arrow in August of 2005 and holds the rank of Brotherhood in Skyuka Lodge 270. He received the “Good Turn for America Award” in 2004 and 2005 for troop participation and service.

On his way to earning his Eagle Award, Greer earned 30 merit badges — 21 are required for Eagle Scouts

Greer said he noticed when his brother, Patrick, was running cross country several years ago that someone had to direct runners on the course and he had heard others in the community say they would like to use the course it if were better marked.

He also knew that classes at school — including science classes — had utilized the trail for observation purposes.

He decided a good project would be to mark the trail.

“That sparked my mind as a way to help the school and the community,” he said.

In May he began developing plans for his project, which had to be approved by the Eagle Scout Board.

Greer consulted with Union County High School athletic director Mike Massey and school Superintendent Dr. David Eubanks before going forward with the project.

Work on the project began on Sept. 26, 2008, and it was completed on Nov. 22, 2008

Yard sales were held to raise funds for the project.

Greer installed 4-by-4 posts every quarter of a mile showing the mile marker, direction of travel and any obstacles runners may encounter. All posts were routed and painted for easy visibility. Three five-foot benches were installed near the entrance to the trail for spectators to watch the athletes. Many Scouts, scouters and friends worked with Greer and helped to accomplish this project. He spent 69 hours and 15 minutes on the project.

Greer also is a very active in church and school activities.

At Tabernacle Baptist Church he is a member of the Youth and Adult choirs.

A Superintendent’s Honor Roll student, Greer is a member of the Spanish Club and the Spanish Honor Society and is president of the National Honor Society. He is a member of the International Thespian Society and is active in school drama productions. He is a member of the Marching and Concert Bands, is band captain of the Sting Machine and was named “Outstanding Junior.” He also is a member of Interact, participated in Youth Leadership Union County, and the Future Business Leaders of America.

Greer was awarded the Boinest Morgan Medal by the Union Music Club.

In 2008, he participated in Teens Westward Bound.

Greer said he would recommend Scouting to others.

“It teaches you a lot of skills that you can carry throughout your life,” he said. “If you live by the Scouting oath and uphold those values, your life won’t necessarily be easier, but those values will help carry you through.”