Troop 76 honors 3 Eagle Scouts

Three members of Boy Scout Troop 76 were recognized for receiving Scouting’s highest rank in March. The troop, chartered by Liberty Crossing United Methodist Church in Vestavia Hills, recognized the three Eagle Scouts on March 6.

William Morhard, son of Allison and Chris Morhard of Vestavia Hills, joined Troop 76 in 2009. He served in several leadership roles during his career including patrol leader, assistant senior patrol leader and senior patrol leader. He participated in High Adventure treks at Philmont Scout Ranch twice, Sea Base and Northern Tier earning the “triple crown” of Scouting. Morhard, a senior at Vestavia Hills High School, earned 28 merit badges and an Eagle Bronze Palm and completed his Eagle rank in September 2015.

His leadership project involved constructing a “run-in” shed for The Red Barn, a Leeds-based nonprofit established to promote and provide equine assisted activities to individuals of all abilities and circumstances, especially children. He led teams of Scouts and adults from the troop to build the foundation, frame the shelter and roof, and side the shelter over several weekends last summer.

Michael Comas, son of Tracy and Scott Comas of Vestavia Hills, joined Troop 76 in 2008 after crossing over from Cub Scout Pack 776 where he earned his Arrow of Light. Comas served in several leadership roles during his career including patrol leader, troop quartermaster and senior patrol leader. He participated in a High Adventure trek at Philmont Scout Ranch. Comas, a senior at Vestavia Hills High School, earned 21 merit badges and completed his Eagle rank in December 2015.

Comas’ leadership project involved building canoe racks and paddles and life jackets storage and restoring the lakefront beach at Glenwood, a center for behavioral health care and educational services for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and severe emotional disturbances. Michael led a team of Scouts and adults from the troop to construct the racks, extend the roof and fencing of an existing storage facility and clear and refurbish the sand along the lakefront.

Will Newton, son of Kathy and Terry Newton, joined Troop 76 in 2008 after crossing over from Cub Scout Pack 776 where he earned his Arrow of Light. Newton served in several positions of responsibility during his career including patrol leader twice and troop scribe. Newton, a senior at Vestavia Hills High School, earned 25 merit badges and completed his Eagle rank in October 2015.

Newton’s Eagle project was to build and market a community garden on property provided by Liberty Crossings United Methodist Church. He designed the garden, built a marketing program to lease the plots and led a crew of Scouts and adults over several weekends to construct the beds and build a deer fence around the garden.

Submitted by Chris Morhard.