complete a project that benefits the community before receiving the honor.

Michael’s project came in two stages: First, prep the fence by pressure-washing one week, and then staining it the next.
Gaining approval for a suitable project by the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) organization was one of the more difficult chores for Michael. The BSA has strict standards for Eagle Scout project proposals and Michael approached several community organizations, none of which had a suitable project for him.
"Just finding a project was a challenge," he says. "We got turned down a lot."

He learned of the need through a circuitous route. First came Michael's dental hygienist, Brian Halle, who was aware of the need for an Eagle project. Next came one of the dentist's patients, Tim Murphy, BLM assistant director at NIFC. That led to a call from Tim Murphy to Einar Norton, NIFC's supervisory engineer. The discussion in the dentist's chair was the catalyst for Michael getting in touch with Einar. After that, the dots connected quickly.

Behind every Eagle Scout is usually a determined mother. That was certainly the case for Michael.
"It feels wonderful to finally complete this journey toward the Eagle; I'm very proud of him," says Noel Schone, who modestly described her role as, "Keeping him focused and reminding him. I’d call it 'gentle persuasion.'"

The project was a family affair. Along with his mother, Michael's father, Ryan, brother Steven (also an Eagle Scout) sister Heather, uncles, cousins and grandparents all supported him.

Overall, he estimates about 95 hours of work were needed to rehab the 1,065-foot fence. The fence was in need of help. The last time it was pressure-washed and stained, it's believed, was in 2004, when another Eagle Scout candidate took on the chore.

"When Michael and I came to NIFC and met with Einar, we walked around the monument," Noel recalls. "I struggled to keep my eyes dry as I saw the names of the men and women there who have sacrificed their lives fighting fires. It's very humbling and I'm grateful this monument exists to remember these heroes. We knew then that this was an amazing project, not just staining a fence."

Einar Norton agrees that the work was worthwhile.
"Michael's Eagle project is not only a great way to spruce up the firefighter monument's appearance, but it is also a very positive way to connect with the local community and bring awareness to the individuals who have lost their lives while serving the public," he says.
The NIFC Employees' Association provided treats for the volunteers. NIFC campus maintenance supplied the materials.
Michael is a freshman at Centennial High School. Among his interests outside of scouting are music (he plays the trumpet in the marching band) and art (he wants to be an animator someday and make children’s films.)
"He loves art," says Noel. "He's happiest when he has a paintbrush in his hand."
And in that sense, Michael Schone's Eagle Scout project was a perfect fit for him.