Woman’s grandson makes Eagle Scout

Boy Scout of America Troop 255 of Allison Creek Presbyterian Church, Lake Wylie, S.C., announced the advancement of its newest Eagle Scout, 16-year-old Luke Robert Barz, eldest son of Robert and Takiko Barz of York, of South Carolina, eldest grandson of Margaret Keenan of Rocky River, and greatgrandson of the late William and Kathleen Keenan of Ravensdale Farm, Ballaugh Glenn, I sle of Man.

Troop 255 is led by scoutmaster Bryan Thomas and includes Lions, Cub Scouts and Webelos.

The Eagle rank is Boy Scouting’s highest rank where only 4 percent of Boy Scouts are granted this rank after a lengthy review process. The requirements necessary to achieve the Eagle Scout rank usually take years to fulfill. Barz began his scouting career as a Webelo scout with Pack 255 and continued to Boy Scouts after achieving the Arrow of Light.

As a Scout, Luke held numerous leadership positions including assistant and senior patrol leader. He has earned 38 merit badges, the Mile Swim Award and BSA Lifeguard certification. Luke was inducted into the Skyuka Lodge of the Order of the Arrow in 2014.

In order to earn the rank of Eagle, a Scout needs to plan, supervise and execute a leadership service project that is helpful to any religious institution, school or community. Through this requirement, the Scout practices what they have learned on their trail to Eagle and gain valuable project management and leadership experience. For his project, Luke coordinated and carried out grounds renovations at the Lake Wylie Palmetto Pregnancy Center facilities. Under his direction, fellow scouts and adult volunteers completed the project in the Spring of 2016 that took 148 man hours.

Luke is a junior at Clover High School in South Carolina. He is a member of National Honor Society, Academic Quiz Team and Model U.N.; runs on the cross country team and plays clarinet in the High School Orchestra Band. He attained his goal of Eagle rank on Oct. 3, 2016 and received his Eagle badge during a well-attended Court of Honor ceremony Jan. 15 at the new Clover School District Community YMCA where he is employed part-time as a lifeguard.