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Adam Von Hall, a seventh grade student at Hazelwood Northwest Middle School, is joining the ranks of Eagle Scouts. Von Hall, a member of Troop 739, has earned the Boy Scouts of America’s highest advancement rank. He built four dog houses for the Humane Society. Each weighs 200 lbs. and is fit for a Husky.

Von Hall has been in Scouts since first grade at Lawson Elementary School.

He said it was his idea to build the doghouses and donate them. His Scoutmaster helped him with the design and his family helped with the construction. Von Hall said the materials were donated by “two Home Depot’s and a Lowe’s.” He wrote a letter to store managers to introduce himself and explain his project. He received wood, nails, paint, screws and more. He began the project on February 17 and finished on March 16. His family documented the project with photos, right up until the dog houses were delivered.

Von Hall enjoys Boy Scouts because “it’s fun” and he said it has “changed my behavior to be more positive.”

At school, Von Hall’s favorite class is math. “It’s easy,” he said. He also likes music. He is involved with the solo and ensemble group and plays the baritone and trumpet.

He will become an Eagle Scout this month, and a ceremony will be held in July.

According to the Boy Scouts of America, 56,176 Scouts earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 2010, approximately five percent of all scouts. The average age of boys earning the honor was 17.

To become an Eagle Scout, boys must progress through ranks in a specific order; earn 21 merit badges; serve six months in a troop leadership position; plan, develop and give leadership to a service project for any religious organization or any school or community; take part in a Scoutmaster conference; and successfully complete an Eagle Scout board of review.