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Kevin Holt is trying to earn his Eagle Scout rank and was all smiles Saturday when he completed a project to move him toward the distinct honor.

Only about 7 percent of all Boy Scouts earned the Eagle Scout rank in 2013. It’s the highest advancement rank in Boy Scouting.

On Saturday, the long process of planning and developing Holt’s project was perfectly executed at Isaiah 11 Ministry where a new electric fence was installed to expand a horse pasture. Linda Ozier operates the non-profit ministry that is an animal rescue and a counseling center. Holt opted to help the ministry in its efforts to expand the horse pasture as Isaiah 11 moves forward with its animal therapy sessions.

Holt, 15, came upon Isaiah 11 by happenstance. According to his mother, Amy, a man stopped by their home about 2 years ago asking if they would be interested in donating a trailer they had to the ministry. Although the family was using the trailer, the man left an Isaiah 11 business card. As Holt was looking for his Eagle Scout project, his mother noted, “We just happened to find the card and made the call.”

In working toward his Eagle Scout rank qualifications, Holt had to come up with a charitable project, plan for how it could be done and make it happen. After a few meetings with Ozier and several visits to the ministry to see what he could do help, he settled for expanding the pasture. “It needed to be done and I knew it was something I could do,” he said.

Holt credits Lowe’s for donating most all of the materials needed to build the enclosure and noted that approximately 30 volunteers came out to help set the posts and install the electric fence. “I’m very pleased with how it went,” said Holt at the completion of the project.

As an addition to the pasture, Holt built wooden benches that are now placed outside the enclosure. He noted, “They are for anyone who wants to just sit and watch the horses.” Ozier said they will also serve as seating for those who come to therapy sessions.

The smile on Holt’s face was proof that he was pleased with the result of his hard work, and his giant step toward the Eagle Scout rank. Holt was given the honors of opening the pasture to the horses on Saturday saying, “It’s really cool. They have a lot more room now and looks like they are enjoying it.”