Kudos to local student, Eagle Scout

A Bishop Shanahan student was honored for achieving Eagle Scout status.

WEST CHESTER >> State Sen. Andy Dinniman, D-19, recently recognized John Byler, a junior at Bishop Shanahan High School (BSHS) and a member of Boy Scouts Troop 116, for successfully completing an Eagle Scout project that resulted in the restoration of the school band’s percussion instruments and equipment.

“The Boy Scouts of America continue to shape generations of Americans into strong, brave and responsible citizens,” Dinniman said. “In Eagle Scouts, like John Byler, we really see the best of the best. I want to congratulate him and his family on completing such a unique and successful project – one that involved his passion for music and included so many aspects of the community.”

In recognition of the honor, Dinniman met with Byler and his parents, John and Michele, to present him with a special Senate citation to mark the milestone achievement.

For his project, Byler, of East Fallowfield, sanded and painted more than 50 music stands, and disassembled 14 drums to have them painted, reassembled, and tuned. Byler, who began drumming in 2010 while a student at Pope John Paul II Regional Catholic School and is a member of the BSHS marching band, worked with BSHS band director Chuck Keating, fellow scouts and band members, volunteers, family members and others on the project.

In addition, students from the Technical College High School in Downingtown, under automotive collision technology instructor Mark Serfass, assisted in the painting of the drums in the school’s auto body shop.

Byler even took the initiative to obtain new decals for the drums, free of charge, courtesy of the Yamaha Corporation.

“I’ve seen a lot of Eagle Scout projects over the years, but this was one of the most interesting. I credit John with bringing together the entire community, including both public and Catholic school students, in an endeavor that ultimately supported both musical education and vocational training,” Dinniman, who serves as minority chair of the Senate Education Committee, said.

Byler’s Court of Honor was held in March at Hibernia United Methodist Church, the sponsor of Boy Scout Troop 116.

SUBMITTED PHOTO State Sen. Andy Dinniman, far right recognizes John Byler, second from left, on achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. Byler, of East Fallowfield, was joined by his parents, Michelle and John.