Have you ever met a young person who just makes you feel more optimistic about the future? That happened to me recently, and it brightened my day.
Katherine Eudaly is brightening up about 15 headstones at the Johnson-Hellstrom Cemetery in rural Douglas County, Kan., as part of her Eagle Scout project. This year, she met with PROSOCO's Preservation & Architectural Specialist Shea McEnerney (pictured above with Katherine), who provided application instructions and tips. We're proud to support Katherine's project with two of our specialty cleaners -- ReVive and 2010. We recently touched base with Katherine, currently a junior at Bishop Seabury Academy in Lawrence, and got the chance to learn a little more about her and her project.
When did you first get involved with the Scouts organization?
I joined Scouts the summer before my freshman year of high school when I was almost 14.
What drew you to becoming an Eagle Scout?
During my first meeting, I was shown around by a senior who would become Lawrence’s first female Eagle Scout. As a shy middle-schooler, I was really moved by her confidence. She inspired me to become an Eagle Scout, which I announced I wanted to become the night after my first meeting.
“This project called to me in a niche way only a history nerd can be called.”
What's involved in becoming an Eagle Scout and the Eagle Project?
The rank of Eagle is the most tedious rank to get in scouts. Like other ranks (Star and Life), you’re required to spend six months in a youth leadership position within Scouts. There are several merit badges required. The most famous requirement is the Eagle Project, where an Eagle Scout candidate must lead a group of scouts in a project that benefits their school, church or community.
What made you interested in choosing this particular project for your Eagle Project?
This project was introduced to me by the Wakarusa Valley Heritage Museum. They were upset at the lack of care this cemetery was getting. I have always had an interest in history, so this project called to me in a niche way only a history nerd can be called.
“The scouts had a great time watching the stones get easier and easier to read!”
What did your project involve beyond headstone cleaning/restoration?
Before I could even go out to the cemetery, I had to ask neighbors for permission to go on their land to even get to the cemetery, since it is land-locked. This was by far the hardest part of the project. After the work day outside, some scouts and I uploaded the photos we took to Findagrave so they could be accessed by everyone.
What is the personal meaning of this project to you?
It makes me sad when historical sources are lost due to lack of care, so helping to remember this cemetery meant a great deal to me. I’m glad that this cemetery was recorded before we lost it.
How effective were ReVive and/or 2010 for your project team?
The scouts had a great time watching the stones get easier and easier to read! ReVive and 2010 were incredibly helpful for removing the grime and biological matter from the stones. One scout actually found a buried headstone, and the 2010 really helped to make the stone understandable.
What are your plans for your senior year of Scouts?
During most of my senior year, I will be 18. In Scouts, anyone over 18 counts as an adult. I plan to stay with my troop after I age out, since most of my friends in the troop are younger than me, and I want to support them in their journeys to Eagle.
“It makes me sad when historical sources are lost due to lack of care, so helping to remember this cemetery meant a great deal to me.”
What do you imagine yourself doing after high school?
As of now, I am looking to start off at Johnson County Community College. I haven’t decided where to finish my four-year degree, but I'm looking in the realm of a History major. I’ve been looking at joining the Air National Guard during college as well.
What advice would you give to a young person who is considering joining the Scouts organization?
If I could say anything, I’d say to encourage girls to join Boy Scouts. While Scouts is still sorting out the kinks in making the program co-ed, BSA is a great program and I believe that everyone should have equal opportunities!
Katherine's Scout team used these products to clean headstones
