Local Scout lays groundwork for patriotic mural

CELINA - If you're driving into town on State Route 29, you might notice the new mural adorning the west side of Celina VFW Post 5713.

Austin Harden, 16, Celina, was responsible for raising the money for the mural and organizing the painting as part of his Eagle Scout project. After seeing a mural on the side of the Coldwater VFW, Harden said he thought it would be nice to have a similar one in Celina. It was his responsibility to go to local businesses to raise money for the project. Finding time to pursue donations between school and his job at Chief Supermarket, he was able to raise the $2,500 that was needed.

The finished mural will resemble a flag retirement ceremony, featuring scouts and VFW members on a backdrop resembling a waving flag.

Jerry Braun, one of the scout committee members for Troop 69, said this is the smoothest he's ever seen an Eagle Scout project proceed. Harden approached the VFW with the idea on Oct. 16 to ask for approval, and little over a week later, the project is almost complete. While some boys like Alex Lehman and Conor and Drake Krogman have helped with the project, artist Caylah Morrow has been responsible for putting some of the finer details in place.

Harden is ahead of schedule in terms of his progress to becoming an Eagle Scout, which Braun said he was glad to see. Braun noted that scouts who wait longer have to rush to finish the project and collect the appropriate merit badges before they reach 18 years old, which is the age limit for the program.

Only a small percentage of Boy Scouts attain the rank of Eagle Scout. Postponing the project can make it difficult if there are complications with completing an Eagle Scout project since many scouts would also be trying to complete high school.

Braun said that after the project is completed, Harden would only need a few more merit badges before he could be reviewed for Eagle Scout rank in Wapakoneta.