(Right) Ronnie Charles puts the finishing touches on his Eagle Scout project. (Middle) Eagle Scout Ronnie Charles and Library Director Terri MacIntyre display the puppet theater Ronnie created for the library. (Left) Ronnie Charles displays his Eagle Scout award.

By Tony Farkas
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SHEPHERD — Building a puppet theater for the Shepherd Public Library helped new Eagle Scout Ronnie Charles build himself into a better man.
The 16-year-old Shepherd native completed all his requirements, culminating with his construction project, to attain the rank of Eagle Scout. A Court of Honor is scheduled for 2 p.m. July 23 in Coldspring.

Ronnie has been in scouting for about 9 years, starting as a Cub, working through Webelos and then into Boy Scouts, and he said the journey to that plateau was very fun and very educational.

“I took a lot from it, as much as I put into it,” he said. “But it was more of a fun experience.”

One of the requirements to attain the rank of Eagle Scout is to complete a public service project, and Ronnie chose to build a puppet theater for the Shepherd Library. The other requirements are to have 23 merit badges and time in scouting.

“At the time, Library Director Terri MacIntyre was planning a lot of events, and I thought I could do something to contribute,” he said. “I found that she had little kids come in, so I realized that the theater could be used not only for events but for the children as well.”

MacIntyre said the theater was a very well-thought-out project.

“He had a multiple-step process for the project,” she said. “He had to take it to the council for approval; once approved, he led a car wash fundraiser to have the funds to build the theater, and then we discussed design. He wanted to be sure it would be of value to the library.”

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When it was delivered, MacIntyre said they inspected it, signed off on the project, and then three to four months later, the council approved the finished product.

The money raised also helped buy puppets for the theater, and when it was delivered, it was ready to go, she said.

Ronnie said he used to help his uncle with woodworking, which helped with the project, and with his completing his goal.

“Becoming an Eagle Scout is not easy; you can’t just start and get it over with,” he said. “There’s a lot of patience that goes with it. You have to be prepared — the motto of the Boy Scouts.”

Scouting is something that will stick with you forever; Ronnie said he would t ell anyone to become a Scout, because it opens up a lot of doors.

“You’ll get a lot out of it. For me, it was organization and patience,” he said. “But it’s not just about learning, it’s about building you into a better man, because while you’re out there, you get life lessons.

“When I first started, I had everything everywhere,” Ronnie said. “Once I got organized, things progressed so much better.”

Aside from Scouting, the soon-to-be junior’s other interests include band, as he plays for the high school, and he is a member of Pirate basketball squad. As for the future, Ronnie said he hopes to graduate with a scholarship to Mississippi School of Medicine to study physical medicine and rehabilitation.

But he won’t leave scouting, because he also hopes to become a scoutmaster or assistant scoutmaster.