Arts of Collin County

Shane Andrews Hand Crafts Six Benches to Honor His Love of Music

COLLIN COUNTY, TEXAS (JULY 19, 2010) – Each year, young men strive to earn the distinguished honor of Eagle Scout, which is the highest rank in the Boy Scouts of America scouting program. Each Eagle Scout candidate must plan, organize and complete an intensive leadership service project. The Arts Park of the Arts of Collin County was chosen by Shane Andrews, age 17, from Frisco’s Troop 216 affiliated with Grace United Methodist Church, to be the beneficiary of his Eagle Scout project.  As a viola player at Centennial High School, he aspires to study music in college.  The Arts Park was a perfect place to combine his project and love of music.

Shane chose to hand craft six benches to be placed along a trail in the arts park, each with a dedication to the businesses and community members who donated materials towards the project.  The project required 110 hours and 14 additional volunteers to bring Shane’s vision to fruition.  Shane will be recognized at the Frisco City Council meeting on August 4^th.

"Shane’s Eagle Project demonstrates his love for the arts and his love for Scouting.  The benches he hand-crafted will be a permanent symbol of the Scout Promise; “To serve God and my country, to help other people at all times”, and celebrates the marriage of the Arts and nature.  I am very proud of Shane's decision to share in the vision of the Arts project,” states Julie Daniels, Frisco ISD orchestra director.

It is a pleasure to witness the hard work, commitment and talent of the young people in our community.  Shane represents our future leaders and the Arts of Collin County is honored to accept his gift,” states Mike Simpson, executive director of the Arts of Collin County. Mr. Simpson went on to say, “It is our goal to have people use the arts park site before the performance hall is complete. There are hiking trails on the site now and Shane’s project will encourage people to visit the area and use the trails.”

About The Arts of Collin County

The Arts of Collin County (ACC) is a nationally recognized, innovative, public-private partnership to develop a 100+ acre arts park.  Co-owned by the cities of Allen, Frisco and Plano, with operational support by member cities, Fairview and Melissa, the development of the arts park is supported with $57 million in bond monies, $3 million in Collin County Open Space Grant funds, and additional financial support from private individuals, corporations and foundations. Located ½ mile east of Custer Road on the Sam Rayburn Tollway (Hwy 121), the arts park will be completed in phases, with a 2,100-seat performing arts hall, performance meadow, and hike and bike trails included in Phase One. To contribute and learn more, visit the ACC website at www.artsofcollincounty.org or call 214-495-5810.