By Scott Mims

There is much more to becoming an Eagle Scout than just earning badges — as if that weren’t enough hard work in itself. Just ask Chilton County High School senior Ricky Minor.
The few Scouts that attain the highest rank of Eagle must plan, organize and manage a community service project before claiming the title. Throughout the project, the Scout must demonstrate Scout spirit through the Boy Scout Oath and Law, service and leadership.
For his project, Minor chose to expand the library at Thorsby First Baptist Church, his home church.
“I knew the books were double-stacked, and I knew it needed to be done,” he said. “We worked probably six months on the project.”
Minor developed a PowerPoint presentation of his idea and formally presented it to the church. With the church’s blessing, he immediately began to solicit help from fellow church members.
Rodney Benson and his son, Phillip, helped Minor build a large set of shelves for the church library.
They also organized and catalogued each book, in addition to several new books that were donated.
With the support of the church and fellow troop members, enough money was raised to purchase the materials for the shelves as well as a brand new set of commentaries for the church.
Thorsby First Baptist Student Minister Philip Wigley said the project provided valuable resources to both the church’s staff and lay leaders.
“As a church, we’re very proud of Ricky. He has been a leader in not only scouting but also here at the church. He has been a leader in the youth ministry.”
Minor’s Scouting journey began nearly seven years ago in Troop 259, based out of Clanton Church of Christ.
His father, Derrick Minor, was also a Scout who achieved a high ranking.
“I’ve learned a lot of leadership skills, people skills and time management,” Minor said.
His younger brother, Chase, is also a member of Troop 259. Ricky is now his brother’s assistant scout master.
“I think I’m probably he reason he joined,” he said.
After passing the Board of Review, Minor officially became an Eagle Scout in September 2009 and was presented the Eagle Award on Feb. 21, fittingly, at Thorsby First Baptist.
Needless to say, his mother is proud.
“When he got to the Eagle Scout project, I really got an appreciation for how much work is involved,” Kathy Minor said. “I can’t say enough about the Scouting organization. I think it’s very worthwhile.”