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Manteo High School senior Markus Simmons is making a lasting impact on his community through his Eagle Scout Service Project. Simmons recently undertook the revitalization of the rain garden at Manteo Middle School, originally established in 2006.

“As a former student at Manteo Middle School, when I saw this area, I knew I needed to take action,” said Simmons. His project merged his passion for environmental stewardship with a desire to improve his former school, creating a meaningful experience for everyone involved. 

Simmons explained the purpose of the restoration, saying, “Rain gardens filter rainwater back into the natural groundwater system. The rain garden at Manteo Middle School was overgrown and not functioning as it should.” 

Recognizing this need, Simmons sought guidance from Sarah Hallas, Education and Outreach Director for the North Carolina Coastal Federation. Hallas provided expert advice and developed educational signage for the area.

Simmons then began planning the project, organizing walkthroughs, obtaining necessary approvals, and coordinating with county officials and local businesses. Through his own outreach efforts, Simmons recruited an impressive team of nearly 50 volunteers to help complete the project.

In a single weekend this November, Simmons led his team of volunteers, including community members and local business partners, working two 10-hour days to restore the area. Collectively, the volunteers contributed over 300 hours of labor involving major landscaping, debris removal, and rebuilding the boardwalk to provide safe access to the garden.

The outcome is a revitalized rain garden and boardwalk that students, staff members, and the community can now enjoy. With support from the North Carolina Coastal Federation, educational signs are now displayed along the boardwalk and garden entrance, educating visitors about rain gardens and their environmental benefits.

Reflecting on the collaborative effort, Simmons shared, “I am incredibly proud of this project and the meaningful impact we were able to create. I want to thank all who assisted with this project - my parents, uncles, aunts, and grandparents, Sarah Hallas with the NC Coastal Federation, Alfred Jackson with Beach Bins, LLC, Jim Gallagher with Grounds Pros, Danny Sawyer with Complete Detailed Landscaping, Troop 116 Scouts and families, and all volunteers who came out from our amazing community.” Simmons also thanked local restaurants, including Dunkin Donuts, Jersey Mike’s, Pizza Hut, and Lachine’s Catering, for providing food to the volunteers.

A particular point of pride for Simmons was his student team leaders, whom he acknowledged individually. “Each team leader was assigned a group of volunteers, and they did an exceptional job leading them,” he said, extending special recognition to Noah Day, senior at First Flight High School, Ashton Tinsley, senior at Manteo High School, and Lonnie Banks, freshman at Manteo High School. 

The Rain Garden Restoration Project marks the final step in Simmons’ journey to becoming an Eagle Scout. In addition to his scouting achievements, Simmons is an active leader at Manteo High School, where he serves as the president of the National Technical Honor Society and community service chair for the National Honor Society.