Submitted Photo: Eagle Scout Nick Coggins and Shelly Williamson, a staff member from the Resource Center in Dunkirk are pictured with the easels that were the focus of Nick's Eagle project.

SILVER CREEK — Nick Coggins from Silver Creek Troop 252 recently completed the requirements to earn the rank of Eagle Scout by finishing his Eagle Scout Project.

Nick’s project was to design and build easels for the Resource Center to be used by Resource Center clients when they participate in their arts and crafts activities. First, Nick designed the prototype. He then provided leadership and assistance to the scouts of Troop 252 as they built easels for the Resource Center locations in Dunkirk and Jamestown.

To complete the project, Nick reached out to local businesses to solicit donations of wood, hardware, and supplies. Nick also received donations of sandpaper and stain from the Dunkirk First United Methodist Church and donations of wood, hardware, tools and equipment from his grandfather, Michael P. Coggins. The sanding, staining, and assembly was completed at the Silver Creek VFW by members of Boy Scout Troop 252.

Finishing the Eagle Scout project and earning the Eagle rank is the culmination of a long and challenging journey for an Eagle Scout who has to advance through the seven required ranks of: Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and finally, Eagle. There are 21 required merit badges — 13 of which are Eagle Scout specific. These badges cover a spectrum of areas including personal fitness, citizenship, swimming, camping, cooking, emergency preparedness, family life, and personal management.

According to the National Eagle Scout Association, “Only 5 percent of all Boy Scouts make it to the rank of Eagle which is the highest achievement or rank attainable in the Boy Scouts of America program.” This speaks volumes to the dedication of the Eagle Scout, his family and his Troop and Troop leaders.

Nick Coggins is the son of Mike E. Coggins and Deanna Coggins, both of Silver Creek. Nick is a senior at Silver Creek High School and is enrolled in the welding program at the LoGuidice Educational Center in Fredonia.

Nick recently took second place in the welding competition at the Skills USA Area 1 Regional Conference at Alfred State College and will advance to the New York State Skills USA State Welding Competition which will be held at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse in April.

After graduation in June, Nick Coggins plans to join the U.S. Navy and train to become an underwater welder.