Since he was a kid, Daniel Pearl Magnet High School Senior Joseph Weiss has strived to earn his Eagle Scout Badge from the Boy Scouts of America. Now that he is in the final stages of completing this service, he has decided to give back to Daniel Pearl Magnet High School (DPMHS) as a way of saying “thank you.”

Weiss started his journey as a Cub Scout when he was five years old and moved up to the rank of Boy Scout at the age of 11.

In order to complete the journey and advance to Eagle Scouts, there are certain tasks that must be completed to prove that Weiss is able to handle the responsibility of being one.

“To move up to be an Eagle Scout, a project is required,” Weiss said.

There is a time clause included in becoming an Eagle Scout that makes this project even more crucial for Weiss. The Boy Scouts of America state that in order to be named an Eagle Scout, you must have all your service completed by the time you are 18. Weiss’ 18th birthday is coming up this September.

On Feb. 23, Weiss and some friends and family arrived at DPMHS with a goal to accomplish. He led an effort to build picnic tables, planters and refurbish the school’s benches in South Courtyard One.

Halfway through the project, some of Weiss’ troop arrived to contribute to the effort and enjoy the air of camaraderie that permeated around them.

“My job was to lead everybody, and participate. My favorite part was being the leader,” Weiss said.

Weiss had the aid of his girlfriend,  Christie Vergini’s, father to build the picnic tables and planter boxes, while the rest of Weiss’ friends and family planted plants and painted.

On Sunday, Weiss had a chance to participate in the WASC Meet and Greet by telling them what he did for the school and what the project was for.

“The best part about being a Boy Scout is all the fun activities we get to do,” Weiss said.