Working with his adviser to come up with an idea for his Eagle Scout project, Emmanuel Lewis — a senior at Thomas Edison High School — organized and completed a beautification project in the Mount Vernon Lakes Community in Alexandria.

"I wanted to contribute something to the neighborhood and the president of the Home Owner's Association there was very enthusiastic," Lewis said.

With the help of Bethlehem Baptist Church and the Xi Alpha Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Lewis said he was able to organize his project and put together a team of volunteers. During the course of the work, Lewis was responsible for organization, fundraising and balancing a budget.

After receiving support from local stores including Giant, Walmart and Home Depot, Lewis was able to get started with his project with his whole community behind him. Lewis had about 30 volunteers helping replace shrubbery with 13 new Knock Out Roses. Those who offered a helping hand included fellow boy scouts from Troop 1906, church and community members, family, friends and fraternity members.

"It was hard to organize it and get everything together, but it was good training in leadership skills," Lewis said. "Becoming an Eagle Scout has improved my skills and confidence and I've become a good example for younger boys around me."

Lewis officially became an Eagle Scout Tuesday, Dec. 18 and plans to study international business or international affairs at either University of Virginia or Princeton.

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