A local cemetery has been improved thanks to one Gordonsville teen’s Eagle Scout Project.
To achieve the rank of Eagle, a Boy Scout must plan and lead implementation of a final service project typically working with a nonprofit, civic or religious organization. The scout must approach the organization with an idea and work with the members to evolve the idea into something that meets the needs of the organization. Boy Scout Troop 12 member Hudson Irby decided to work with the Woodberry Cemetery Association for his project. He had first visited the historically African American cemetery in 2021 as part of a troop trash pickup project. The troop collected 70 bags of trash that day, both on the road and in some of the cemetery.
“I then saw how Woodberry Cemetery lacked infrastructure including benches and streetlights to keep the cemetery lit and more secure at night,” Irby said.
He worked to install five park benches, five solar streetlights, a solar light for the flagpole, an updated entry and a new sign at the beginning of Woodberry Cemetery Drive, along with a flag retirement pit. The latter, he said, was because there wasn’t one in Gordonsville and he thought hosting public events at the cemetery would raise its profile.
“The cemetery is located at the end of a gravel road on the edge of town and many in our community don’t even know it’s there,” Irby said.
The improvements were primarily funded through Ibry’s involvement in the Virginia Headwaters Council’s yearly fundraiser selling popcorn and nuts.
“Throughout my scouting career, I fundraised over $100,000 worth of product,” he said. “Of that, I received 15% which was then put into my scout account and used for scout-related expenses. Besides the Eagle Project, I paid my way to the 25th World Scout Jamboree in South Korea in 2023 and years of attending summer camp. I allotted the remaining $4,000 to my project. In addition, a family donated nearly $2,000 in honor of the late Vema Ingram. I also received discounts on supplies including a highly reduced rate from Skyline Brick in Hollymead.”
Last week, the Woodberry Cemetery Association and Boy Scout Troop 12 held a Memorial Day Flag Retirement Ceremony and an Eagle Scout Project dedication as part of Irby’s project. Approximately 75 people attended as the scouts retired three flags at the cemetery–one Virginia flag and two American flags. Irby said the Virginia flag and one of the American flags came from the Gordonsville Town Hall while the remaining American flag came from Gordon-Barbour Elementary School.
Irby will officially become an Eagle Scout following a board of review in which he will reflect on his journey through scouting. He said without those who have supported him, he wouldn’t have been successful in his project.
“I am thankful for those who have supported me in my fundraising efforts,” Irby said. “Without their support, my project would not have nearly as large of an impact on my community. I am also thankful for the many scouts and parents who volunteered. In total, we put about 300 hours of work toward the Woodberry Cemetery among 22 volunteers. I would also like to thank Ms. Emily Winkey and the Woodberry Cemetery Association for their support of this project.”
Members of the community interested in supporting improvements and upkeep at Woodberry Cemetery should contact Winkey, the cemetery association president and Gordonsville Vice Mayor, at imily88@aol.com.
Families with children in grades K-12 located in and around Gordonsville who are interested in learning more about joining Scouts are encouraged to contact Daman Irby at irby@virginia.edu. Those outside of the Gordonsville area should visit beascout.org to find their nearest unit.
