Passing the Torch

Scout Emery Lee finishes her Eagle Scout Project after working with John Morgan on the northside Veterans Trail.

By Katheryn Johnston and Friends of Freedom Park

Published in October Cherokee Chatter

Emery Lee and her family moved to Lake Cherokee in 2021 to join her grandparents, Laura and Scott Lee who were already Lake residents.  One day she hiked the northside Lake Cherokee Veterans Nature Trail with her mother.  She noticed that signage was in disrepair and there was overgrowth on the trail.  She wanted to fix it up for other families to enjoy.  At the time, she was a Scout and beginning to think about her Eagle Scout project.  She felt strongly that the restoration of the trail would not only fulfil the project requirements but also combine her passion for conservation and community.  This unassuming trail could be missed by passersby and is probably unknown to southside residents.  Yet, Emery Lee felt inspired to bring it back to life. She contacted the lake office and Kevin put her in touch with John Morgan.

John Morgan (US Army Veteran 1960-1963) wanted to honor lake residents who were Veterans of Operation Desert Storm (1990-91).  In 2008, he got permission to create a trail in the woods across from his NH section home. He forged a path with 3 entrances from the Lake road.  At the head of the trail, he placed a Flagpole and plaque with Veterans’ names.  He cleared an area tucked in the middle of the trail and named it Veterans Circle.  This stop was the highlight of the trail with wooden plaques recognizing the five branches of the US Military.  For the last 18 years he has mowed and maintained the trail.  However, time and Mother Nature have taken their toll.  Even with John’s efforts, the trail became slightly overgrown and the signage faded.  Naturally, he was delighted to hear from Emery.

Scouting America (www.scouts.org) has undergone changes in the last 100+ years as American culture has changed, but the Eagle Scout remains the highest level of achievement.  Completion of an Eagle Scout project that benefits the community is essentially the culmination of the process to become an Eagle Scout.  The main purpose is to learn and practice leadership skills, but candidates also learn project management including planning, finding funds and materials, and managing people.  Not everyone becomes an Eagle Scout. In fact, only 4% of Scouts earn this distinction.

Emery’s plan was accepted by Nationals and she began work this year.  She put in over 100 hours planning and executing.  She raised $900 which went towards gas for transportation and feeding and hydrating volunteers.  She procured donated equipment and supplies.  In Veterans Circle, she built and installed 2 benches and laser-engraved 6 military branch signs.  She found eight dedicated volunteers who were not afraid of hard labor and working in 104-degree temperatures.  Among her learning experience, she emphasized gaining experience in making professional phone calls which probably is a lost skill for most teens. 

Emery says that the hardest part of her project was “life getting in the way.”  As with everyone, life events seem to sidetrack all our good intentions.  This is especially true for busy high schoolers who are in the process of shedding childhood, becoming adults, and navigating their future.  For Emery this was no different as family events prevented her from starting her project earlier.  

What advice would she give to Scouts working on their projects?  “Make the time.”  The main reason there are few Eagle Scouts is that projects must be completed before “Eagleing out” at age 18. One might say that the true character of an Eagle Scout is not necessarily intelligence or skill, but perseverance and focus.  She also noted that it was harder to come back to work after taking a week off.  So, perhaps blocking the time with no interruptions is key to finishing. 

Emery hasn’t earned Eagle Scout status as of this writing.  She wrote a paper that was submitted to the Board of Review and will be notified soon by Nationals.  If all goes well, a ceremony in January will secure her title.  While celebration of an Eagle Scout designation may be premature, Lake Cherokee residents have much to applaud.  How fortunate are we to have a caring, community-minded, energetic young woman choose us for her attention?

Of course, John is beyond pleased to see his legacy being cared for by a younger generation.  He will continue to mow and maintain the trail.  Why?  A number of reasons.  First, he is a proud US Army Veteran.  Second, he says his happy place is in the woods.  Third, after 44 years on the Lake with 2 terms on the CWC Board (1990-96) and a term as President (1995/96), he loves Lake Cherokee.  “We live a life every day that the average person saves up to do 1 or 2 weeks a year.”  Yes indeed, we are truly blessed!

Interested in visiting the Veterans Nature Trail?

The Veterans Nature Trail is a shady quiet path just under one mile in distance.  The main entrance is marked with a flagpole and plaque and is across from NH23.  The central entrance is across from NH-9 and is the quickest way to get to Veterans Circle.  There is also an entrance on the hill across from NH 5/6.  In Veterans Circle, there are six signs representing the military branches including a new Space Force sign.  You may see mementos left behind by visitors to honor their Veterans.  Please respect these cherished objects.  And, if you visit the trail and feel so inclined, John would love for you to bring your nippers and garden gloves to cut away at protruding branches and fast-growing vines.

Friends of Freedom Park are caretakers of the Lake Cherokee Veterans Memorial at Freedom Park.  We proudly recognize Emery Lee and John Morgan for their commitment to our Veterans.  This story and more photos can be found on our website www.LakeCherokeeFreedomPark.org.  If you have a story or information to share about our Veterans, please contact us!  Kac135975@gmail.com