Andris, 17,

completed a covered sandbox and play area for Spring Hill Elementary School

in Fayetteville as his unique Eagle project. He worked closely with the

school administration to develop, construct and install the equipment

as part of the school's recreation area.

"Tom is

an excellent role model and mentor for younger Scouts," said Troop

279 Scoutmaster Bob Commerford. "He has cheerfully completed any

task we gave him."

Andris has

earned several honors at McIntosh, including Principal's Recognition awards,

Certificat de Merite in French, Certificate of Scholastic Achievement

Bronze Level, Outstanding Achievement in Social Studies, Current Issues

2002, and Honorary Page for the Georgia General Assembly's House of Representatives.

He is a member of the French Club and the Young Republicans Club. After

graduation in 2003, he plans to study political science in college.

Born in Philadelphia,

Andris has lived in Peachtree City since 1985. He attended Peachtree City

Elementary School and Booth Middle School, where he was a member of the

track team.

A founding

member of Troop 279 in 1996, Andris advanced to leadership in Order of

the Arrow, an honorary Scout organization dedicated to service. He has

served at the chapter and lodge levels of Order of the Arrow, holding

positions as chapter secretary, vice chief, chief, and lodge vice chief

of ceremonies. He also participated on the staff of Junior Leadership

Training for the Flint River Council.

Troop 279,

now in its seventh year, is part of the Sepohayetv District, Flint River

Council, Boy Scouts of America.