LANCASTER — On Friday, May 8 Luther Burbank Middle School Music Department in Lancaster received a gift that will support the music program for many years to come. Ben Shepard, a 17-year-old junior at Nashoba Regional High School and Eagle Scout candidate, presented the music department with two guitar racks with storage space for a total of 32 guitars.
Shepard is a member of Scouts BSA’s Troop #1 in Lancaster. He built the racks as his Eagle Scout Service Project.
“I got a lot out of the music program here at Luther Burbank and I wanted to give something back,” said Shepard.
The racks are made from beautiful cherry wood, thoroughly planed and sanded and protected with 12 coats of finish. The project took over 200 total hours to complete and involved the work of seven scouts and several adult advisors.
After selecting his project, Shepard needed an advisor who could help him learn the skills needed to complete the project. The troop was fortunate to find Kris Cullen of Leominster. Kris is a talented woodworker who also earned his Eagle Scout as a youth.
“I learned so much from Kris,” said Shepard. “We started with a pile of rough sawed boards and ended up with a beautiful piece of furniture. I couldn’t have done it without his guidance.”
Shepard currently plays the tuba in the Nashoba band and is also a member of several choral ensembles.
Eagle Scout is the highest rank attainable in the Scouts BSA program. To achieve the rank the Scout must plan, develop, and lead a major service project that benefits their community or school.
– Luther Burbank Middle School
Comments