Gregory H. Saiidifar, 16, a sophomore at Chantilly High School, has been awarded the Eagle Scout rank by the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America.
Scout troop 695 conducted an Eagle Court of Honor for Greg on Saturday, June 28, at the Izaak Walton League Park. Greg's parents, Linda and Abbas Saiidifar of Fox Meadow Court in Centreville, family members, friends and neighbors came to honor Greg's accomplishments and celebrate the occasion with him.
For his Eagle Scout project, Greg designed, organized and oversaw the building of two covered information kiosks for E.C. Lawrence Park on Walney Road. Completion of the project included: planning sessions with Kenneth Garlem of the Fairfax County Park Authority, the ordering and gathering of materials, the designing process and the solicitation of work crews which included 22 persons. Greg had to problem solve when unexpected situations arose and ensure the safety of all participants while using tools to complete work on the project.
Greg became involved with Scouting in the fourth grade when he joined Cub Pack 1459 at Poplar Tree Elementary School. Since that time he has earned numerous merit badges. He earned awards including: Tote-N-Chip, Polar Bear, Arrow of Light and Red Cross Certification. After enduring the Ordeal, Greg was honored by receiving membership in the Order of the Arrow Brotherhood, the Honor Society of Boy Scouts of America. Additionally, Greg has held leadership roles within the troop as Assistant Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader and Assistant Senior Patrol Leader.
In addition to Scouting, Greg has participated in the Chantilly Youth Association's winter and/or spring basketball seasons for over seven years. He was a varsity member of the Chantilly High School indoor track and field team, throwing shot put. Greg currently works part-time while maintaining above average grades. He has traveled extensively within the U.S. and to Germany, the Netherlands and Iran.
Upon completion of high school, Greg plans to attend Syracuse University or Virginia Tech to study engineering or medicine.