Boy Scout's Eagle Project Benefits City

The city of Royal Oak has given a senior permission to paint the town – literally.

Grigory Pariseau is at this morning coordinating his Eagle Project with dozens of helpers. Pariseau worked with the Recreation Department to organize volunteers to paint the Todd Menig Field House, which houses equipment for varoius athletic organizations. 

“They spray-painted the building five years ago, but didn’t have the money to paint it this year,” Pariseau said. The Boy Scout coordinated his volunteer effort with Recreation Director Tod Gazetti to insure the structure will not have to go through another Michigan winter without being painted.

Pariseau, who was a cub scout with Pack 1627 at the former Whittier Elementary, received his Arrow of Light - the highest Cub Scout award you can receive and the only one allowed to carry over and be worn on the Boy Scout uniform. At 11 years old, he crossed over into Boy Scout Troop 230 in Southfield, which is chartered by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

“I have known Grigory all his life,” said Scoutmaster Don Sigman. “He has always been an exceptional young man. He always follows the rules and is self-motivated, polite and kind.”

In addition to scouting, Pariseau is a member of Royal Oak High School’s robotics team and he plays saxophone in wind ensemble and jazz band and is a member of the National Honor Society.

“The project is going great. I think we will finish ahead of schedule,” Pariseau said, as he encouraged his volunteers to take a break. , and all donated refreshments for the community project.

“This is one of the better Eagle Projects I have worked on,” said Sigman. “The city has been very cooperative and this project fulfills one of the needs of the community – and, that is what scouting is all about.” 

Only one in 100 Boy Scouts will meet the Eagle rank requirements, Sigman said.