Boy Scouts Elijah Jones and Eli Gough accompanied Jacob Steidinger to the April 15 meeting of the Northwestern Lehigh School Board.

High school Principal Aileen Yadush introduced Steidinger as a member of Troop 89 Boy Scouts of America.

He built raised beds as an Eagle Scout project.

Steidinger said his project began with humble beginnings - a trailer load of wood.

He received guidance from Scoutmasters and adults who sometimes let him make a mistake as a learning experience. Members of his troop helped.

The supports for the raised beds were cemented in to keep them steady against the pressure of the dirt.

Two-and-a-half yards of soil were needed to fill the beds. Fellow Scouts helped him unload and level the soil in the beds.

They checked to be sure the depth was equal in all places.

Two resource books that he used in the project he donated to the school for use by other students.

"I really wanted to do something for the school," Steidinger said.

Superintendent Dr. Mary Anne Wright said Steidinger came with ideas but was willing to make revisions when the school offered suggestions.

Board President Paul Fisher thanked him for sharing his time and talent and that he chose the Northwestern Lehigh School District to display those talents.

Board member Bill Dellicker said one of the things that stand out in the Scout program is leadership training.

Board member Ron Morrison said Scouting requires perseverance.

"A lot of leaders of this country have a Scouting background," he said.

Fellow board member Todd Hernandez said Steidinger's Court of Honor took place the previous Sunday, making him an official Eagle Scout.