Whitefield Academy's Matthew Sumlin Earns Eagle Scout Rank

Whitefield Academy sophomore Matthew Sumlin recently attained the rank of Eagle Scout. He is a member of Northwest Presbyterian Church Boy Scout Troop 232. The highest rank in Boy Scouting, Eagle is attained by only 4% of Boy Scouts, after they complete a lengthy review process that includes earning at least 21 merit badges, demonstrating Scout spirit, which is an ideal attitude based upon the Scout Oath and Law, service, and leadership, and completing an extensive service project.

Sumlin began his Scouting career in 2nd grade as a Cub Scout at the Trinity School, where he received the Arrow of Light, the highest award in Cub Scouts. In 6th grade, he moved into Boy Scouts and served as a den chief for younger scouts, as well as a climbing instructor for his own troop. He was honored to attend the National Youth Leadership Training camp and the Boy Scout high adventure camp called Summit, as well.

Matthew completed his Eagle Scout project in August 2016 after designing and building new dugout seating for the Whitefield Academy softball team. After learning of the need for seating in the softball dugout, Sumlin used the boy’s baseball dugout seating as a model and designed the benches himself. In order to help the benches last longer, he chose to use composite wood versus treated lumber, so he raised funds from friends and family members to help cover the higher cost for improved materials. Mr. Jeff Kendrick, owner of Commercial Signs Inc. in Smyrna helped with the tools and design work to rout the Whitefield name into the benches. The project took about 100 hours from planning to completion.

Whitefield Academy is proud of Matthew Sumlin!