FOR THE STUDENTS — Buckeye Local High School senior Brayden Russell completed three miniature libraries and placed them at Buckeye West Elementary in Adena as part of his Eagle Scout project. Russell led the project to construct the book boxes and donated the books. He has served with Boy Scout Troop No. 14 in Mount Pleasant since he was 11, obtaining 21 merit badges. He hopes to earn the Eagle Scout rank as his final act. -- Contributed

ADENA — Boy Scout Brayden Russell is helping students to boost their literacy skills by constructing miniature lending libraries as part of his Eagle Scout project. Russell, son of Derek and Caryn Porter of Adena, is a senior at Buckeye Local High School. He completed three book boxes between December and January with the help of family and friends, placing them at his former stomping grounds at Buckeye West Elementary School.

Russell, who is a member of Boy Scout Troop No. 14 of Mount Pleasant, said he undertook the plan as part of his Eagle Scout project.

“I like to read,” he began. “I saw the book vending machines at school and thought it would look nice.” He explained he opted to place them on each floor of the school. “This is where I went,” he continued. “And my brother Evan goes here, too.”

Russell raised the funds to purchase the necessary materials and supplies. He then organized family and friends to help with the venture. He led the project, created three boxes and acquired the books, which he donated for the students to enjoy.

“I had to plan the proposal and get it approved,: Russell explained. “After I do the project, I have to get a board of review.” He noted the review was still being scheduled.

Russell has served as a Boy Scout since he was 11 years old, moving through the ranks and earning 21 merit badges along the way. Now, he hopes to attain the Eagle Scout badge as his final act.

“I’m very glad and couldn’t wait to see them up and being used,” he said of the libraries. In addition to the Boy Scouts, he is a member of the high school bowling team. His hope is to attend trade school following graduation and to work in the electrical or HVAC field.

West Elementary Principal Brian DiCola was thankful for the libraries, saying Russell was to be commended for thinking of the students.

“Brayden is a great kid from an incredible family,” DiCola said. “His parents, Caryn and Derek, are wonderful people who have done a great job raising not only him, but his two younger brothers.”

“This is an incredible achievement because only four to six percent of Scouts reach their Eagle rank,” DiCola noted. “Brayden should be proud of himself. I, and the West community, are incredibly thankful for his hard work and this beautiful project. This is something that I have wanted in our building for three years now, and I’m thankful and humbled that a former West student made it come to fruition. The best part of this project is that we see a former West student giving back to his elementary school. It shows how close our community is and the importance of being a lifelong Panther.”