The Alexander City Outlook

Neil Alford

Benjamin Russell High School junior Neil Alford always tries to complete any task he begins.

Perhaps that is why the son of Jeffrey and Rhonda Alford is an Eagle Scout, the highest level of achievement in the Boy Scouts of America program.

“I’ve been involved with the Scouts since kindergarten and I got Eagle last year,” Alford said.

According to Alford, members of the program must complete various requirements while moving up the ranks of Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star and Life before being named an Eagle Scout.

The lifelong resident of Alexander City also said he had to earn 21 merit badges and develop and lead a service project.

“My Eagle Scout project was fixing up the field house at the middle school and adding a walkway, basically just enhancing it,” Alford said.

In addition to being an Eagle Scout, Alford is on the BRHS varsity soccer team and is a member of the National Honor Society.

Diane McClellan, who attends Alexander City Methodist Church with Alford and is friends with his mother, said the 17-year-old is always respectful of others.

“He’s a good Christian boy,” McClellan said. “Being an Eagle Scout really says a lot. He’s active in his church, an honor student and just an all-around good kid.”

Alford said he considers his parents to be his heroes.

“He’s very family-oriented,” McClellan said.

Alford said he wants to attend college at either The University of Alabama or The University of Alabama at Birmingham after he graduates from BRHS to pursue a degree in the health field.