Peter Schmidt of Boy Scout Troop 279 in Peachtree City recently was awarded the Eagle Scout badge and medal, in recognition of attaining Scouting’s highest and most prestigious rank.

Under the guidance of William Camper, his Eagle Project mentor, Peter designed and led the construction of an expansive sandbox for the Education Building playground on the campus of Holy Trinity Catholic Church. The new playground addition includes a roof to protect the children from the sun, and is enclosed with lattice on three sides.

Support to purchase the materials to build the project was gained through generous donations from Trinity Air, the Optimist Club, Valued Services, Fitzgerald and Sons, and the Knights of Columbus.

Peter, a tenth-grader at McIntosh, chose his project because it benefits the children of the Holy Trinity preschool, which Peter attended as a youngster.

During his Boy Scout career, which will continue as a Junior Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 279, Peter completed a variety of required and elective tasks. His positions included terms as Den Chief, Troop Guide, Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, and two terms as Senior Patrol Leader.

In addition to the 46 hours he spent completing his Eagle project, Peter has contributed more than 40 hours of his time to Service Projects to benefit the community.

Peter has earned 33 merit badges as a Scout, including 12 whose completion is required by the Boy Scouts of America for the Eagle rank.