Mesa Scout joins with Safe Kids Coalition for Eagle Project


By: Evelyn Hendrix


McKay Holt was recognized for his unique collaboration as, for his Eagle Scout project, he worked with Safe Kids Coalition of Arizona to improve a pedestrian area at Sunshine Acres Children's Home. Photo by Mike Holt




Some young people in the East Valley are safer, thanks to a unique collaboration between a Mesa Boy Scout and the nonprofit organization, Safe Kids Coalition.

Fifteen-year-old McKay Holt was participating in a city service project last February when he stumbled upon an idea for an Eagle project. As his ward was cleaning the grounds at Sunshine Acres Children's Home in East Mesa, McKay thought the home could use some additional service.

He approached Sean Sloan, Executive Director, about possible projects at Sunshine Acres. One area that desperately needed attention was the area surrounding the school building. With no paved walkway, the staff and students were forced to walk on dirt and rock, cutting across traffic to enter and exit the building. When it rained, the runoff from the roof often flooded the area, causing further erosion.

"This project wasn't just about making things attractive," Sean said, "but about keeping kids safe."

As a member of Boy Scout Troop 387, McKay had plenty of volunteers willing to provide manual labor. He enlisted the help of Brian Berry, a landscaper and fellow member of Mesa's Thunder Mountain Ward in the Salt River Stake. Brother Berry helped McKay design a wide, paved walkway leading to the building and a raised retaining wall to alleviate flooding. The desert landscaping included cactus and other low-maintenance plants. The project required 20 tons of gravel, 10 tons of sand, 10 tons of rip-rap, 8 pallets of brick pavers and other materials.

Like most Scouts, McKay didn't have money to buy materials and this particular project proved to be very expensive. He had about half of the materials donated, but still needed at least $1,700 to fund the project.

Meanwhile, Jean DeStories, Board Member of Safe Kids Coalition of Arizona, had received a $2,000 grant to be used for pedestrian improvements, specifically for children. Safe Kids is a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing childhood deaths and injuries.

"Someone on the Board mentioned Sunshine Acres," said Jean, who also works for the City of Mesa's Transportation Department as Safety Educator. "I contacted Sean Sloan and he put McKay and I together. It was a perfect project."

McKay supervised about 45 people, who spent two days and a total of more than 225 man-hours to complete the project. He supervised about 45 people. Jean was there as well, documenting McKay's project with her camera.

"I work with many Scouts," she said. "You can tell from their character which ones will be high caliber Eagle Scouts. McKay stepped up and provided leadership and made sure all assignments were done."

She was also impressed with McKay's ability to make changes on the spot. McKay's original plan included steps to a door, but it soon became clear that a sloped path would be best, making the building wheelchair-accessible.

McKay was honored at a dedication ceremony on June 7, where he received a plaque for his contribution.

"He has learned now to negotiate and interact with adults in a business-type setting," said his father, Mike Holt. "It turned out to be a much bigger project than anyone thought."

Then again, at 6'4" tall, McKay tends to set big goals and usually achieves them.