TCHS Student Builds Benches For Kentuck Art Center As Part Of Eagle Scout Project

NORTHPORT, AL — Kentuck Art Center was on the receiving end of some hard work and generosity on the part of a Life Scout Troop 90 member and 17-year-old Tuscaloosa County High School student.

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Kentuck on Monday announced that Hunter Tunnell has nearly completed his Eagle Scout Project, which consisted of building six Leopold benches for the center's Courtyard of Wonders.

The project reportedly took Tunnell eight months of planning, which started with the idea and saw him build a project proposal with the help of a coach.

"Personally I am pleased not only with the completion of six benches, but more so with the leadership Hunter developed over the entire process, " Tunnell's project coach Mike Henderson said. "He has matured and gained confidence in his own abilities as he worked his way through this process. This project was not only a benefit for Kentuck; it was a benefit to Hunter and his character."

Tunnell was then tasked with financing the project himself, before working with eight fellow Scouts and four adult volunteers to build the benches on March 4.

Kentuck said the benches — which are a favorite design for birdwatchers — are a great addition to Kentuck Art Center, providing a "comfortable and inviting place for visitors to enjoy the whimsical outdoor sculptures and Kentuck's events in the Courtyard of Wonders."

Kentuck Art Center officials then said sitting backwards on the bench allows birdwatchers to steady their elbows while looking through binoculars.

"Kentuck Art Center is thrilled to have new places for arts patrons to sit when they visit Kentuck's Courtyard of Wonders," Kentuck Art Center Executive Director Amy Echols said. "Hunter and his team did a wonderful job organizing this project and builiding these benches. Thousands of courtyard visitors will benefit from Hunter's work for years to come. Thank you Hunter and all the volunteers for your hard work."

Tunnell will now set out to become one of the select few to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout, which is the highest rank in the Boy Scouts of America.

The final steps in Tunnell's project will include submitting a written project report and a presentation to the Eagle Scout Board of Review.

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