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GREENSBORO — Having been introduced in 1911, Eagle Scout is the highest attainable rank in the Boy Scouts of America program and after attaining this rank, it is held for life giving meaning to the phrase "Once an Eagle, always an Eagle."

Thanks to a new Eagle Scout at St. Pius X Church in Greensboro, the parish not only has a beautiful new addition to its campus, but, also, a young parishioner who will now always be an Eagle.

Quinton Verchick, a junior at Page High School in Greensboro, recently completed an outdoor Stations of the Cross on the grounds of St. Pius X Church as his Eagle Scout project.

"My first thought was that I definitely wanted to do something through the church," Verchick said. "I'm very happy to have been able to give back something to the church and add something to the campus."

Pictured: Quinton Verchick built an outdoor Stations of the Cross at St. Pius X Church in Greensboro, and the Stations were dedicated by Monsignor Anthony Marcaccio on Good Friday. (Photos provided by John Russell)

Prior to Verchick completing the Stations, the area was a collection of vine-choked trees. The outdoor Stations were dedicated by Monsignor Anthony Marcaccio on Good Friday, and, quite frankly, surprised Verchick with the formality of it all.

"I didn't realize it was going to be so formal, but I was very happy to see so many people come out and how important Monsignor made it," Verchick said. "It made me feel really good how important it seems to St. Pius X Church."

"I'm particularly pleased because it is a project that will benefit both the church and the school," Monsignor Marcaccio said. "I've seen children from the playground go and walk the Stations already."

Although it is just a part of a more lengthy process of becoming an Eagle Scout, his project brought everything together, according to Verchick.

"The Eagle Scout project brings together all the Scouting experience and, personally, I had to step out of my comfort zone and take on that leadership role," he said. "The Eagle Scout project and Scouting as a whole allowed me to do that. I encourage younger kids who are currently involved or thinking about getting involved with Scouting to stick with it, because the benefits continue throughout life and are very rewarding."

With the completion of his project, Verchick has become the 13th Eagle Scout of Troop 244 to receive the rank. Jim Duffy, Scoutmaster of Troop 244, couldn't be happier.

"I am very happy and proud that Quinton has completed his Eagle project, and I know he will be great help in assisting other Scouts in our troop to complete theirs," Duffy said. "The troop has been blessed to have him has a Scout and Senior Patrol Leader in our troop."

While the process was a long one, Verchick said he wouldn't hesitate to do it again.

"It sometimes felt like it was never over, but when I stepped back and looked at it, the Stations turned out the way that I wanted," he said. "I was very happy thinking about the impact and legacy it could leave for other kids and Scouts to see. It was a valuable experience – it taught me a lot about Scouting and, most importantly, it taught me a lot about myself."

— Ryan Murray, correspondent