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HAMMONDSVILLE - David Householder is ready to move up ranks in the Boy Scouts of America. He has served as a senior patrol leader and supervisor of Cub Scout meetings in the past, and is currently a Life Scout. The next step up from Life Scout is the Eagle Scout, which "is the highest you can get. It can't be taken lightly," David said.

In August 2008, David wasn't quite sure what he was going to choose to do for his Eagle Scout project. But in January 2009, David began planning on building a fence to go around the cemetery of his local church. David attends Pine Grove United Methodist Church in Hammondsville.

According to the church's trustee chairman Herman Howell, Pine Grove church has been wanting a fence on the property for nearly 40 years, but couldn't get enough funds. "We had material donated, but never enough. Through David's planning, labor and material, it came to pass. He really surprised me in a lot of ways," Howell said.

David said he started planning the project the first week of January, and construction began Labor Day weekend. "It took one day to build it all and to stain it all," he said. The church congregation expressed their appreciation during a ceremony held inside the church at 2 p.m. Sunday. The congregation sang a few musical selections with the accompaniment of JeanAnn Cronin on the piano and Pastor Mike Dyer had a few words to say. "It is so nice to drive down here and see that fence. It's a nice addition," he said. After which Dyer opened the pulpit to members of the congregation who expressed their appreciation for the fence. David's father said he was especially proud of his son.

At only 16 years old, David has already acquired excellent public speaking skills. His aunt, Rose Groves said last year that David is a very good speaker and "an all-around citizen who will go far."

During the indoor ceremony David gave thanks to everyone who helped with the Life to Eagle Scout Leadership Project. "I admit it was stressful at times, but with the help of friends it was attainable," he said. David had to plan, prepare the grounds and raise funds for the fence project. Those who assisted David were Apex Landfill for financial aid, Carroll Electric Co-Op, and Howell who provided donations. David also credited 15-year-old Marcus Rawson "for his time and dedication." David's scout troop also helped, and were in attendance at the ceremony.

After the indoor ceremony, members of the congregation were invited to attend a brief dedication outside. Howell presented David with a plaque to be placed on the fence later. Church members all placed their hands on the fence while Pastor Dyer led the congregation in a short prayer. "I would like to thank God for helping me achieve my goals," David said.

The 3,600 picket fence wraps around the cemetery directly behind the church. Now that the project is completed David is eligible to be an Eagle Scout. Other requirements to be an Eagle Scout include earning a total of 21 merit badges and serve actively for a period of six months in other areas of scouting such as patrol leader, troop guide, chief, scribe, or quartermaster, to name a few.

David has already completed all of the requirements to be considered as an Eagle Scout. Now he must face the Eagle Scout board for review. If approved by the board, David will officially become an Eagle Scout. "I hope to be an Eagle Scout by December," he said.

Pine Grove United Methodist Church also held a small, informal banquet in honor of David in the basement of the church after the outdoor ceremony. "Thank God for people like David," Howell said.