CLARION, Pa. (EYT) – Jonathan Franklin Smith, a Senior at Clarion Area High School and the son of Dan and Heidi Smith, recently earned the rank of Eagle Scout.  

(Pictured above: Eagle Scout Smith with State Representative Donna Oberlander who recently presented Smith with a citation for his accomplishment.)

Smith, a member of Clarion Boy Scout Troop 51, completed his Eagle Scout project at Gumtown Memorial Park in New Bethlehem this summer.

Smith has been involved in scouting for many years since becoming a cub scout and then crossing over into Boy Scouts.  Smith has experienced many scouting campouts and council events, led his troop at summer camp, has earned many scout merit badges, and held many various troop positions.

For his Eagle Scout project, he worked with his beneficiary Kevin Reichard of the Gumtown Memorial Park.  Jonathan led a group of scouts in a beautification project for the community park by cleaning up designated areas, designing, constructing and installing a new bench, carry and arrange over 20 stadium-style benches, mow, weed, and picked up liter all over the entire property grounds.  

During the project, they uncovered a very long sidewalk from one side of the park down to the riverbank.  This sidewalk was covered since the floods of 1996.  It was a challenge for his team and took many hours cleaning it up while enjoying the vast history of Gumtown Park and the surrounding area shared by Reichard.

“I had the pleasure of working with Mr. Reichard whose parents, Gene and Norma, own the property along the river on the west side of New Bethlehem,” said Smith. “Many local organizations hold their community events at this local park. It truly is an asset to their town. I am very excited knowing that I was able to help beautify it this past summer and wish to thank all the scouts and adults who worked on it and helped me on my Eagle Scout project.” 

“And, a big shout out to my mom and dad for all the wonderful support over the years they have given to me!  Thank you too, Mr. Reichard, and to your family, this project has taught me a lot about teamwork and organizational skills as well as community spirit.”