Piro Builds Band Tower for McKenzie High

McKENZIE — For her Eagle Scout service project, Janyla Piro of Troop 3, Paris, completed a meaningful contribution to her school and community: a new band tower for the McKenzie High School Marching Rebels. Janyla, a McKenzie resident and proud member of the McKenzie High School Marching Band, chose this project because she personally understood the need. The new tower gives the band director an elevated vantage point to better observe formations and improve instruction during rehearsals.

She led the project from concept to completion—coordinating with stakeholders, organizing resources, leading volunteers, and managing the build. The materials were generously funded by the McKenzie High School Band Boosters, with Carroll County Lumber recognized as a key contributor for providing materials and support that helped make the project possible.

Janyla led a team of volunteers who exemplified the values of Scouting, freely donating their time, skills, and energy to every aspect of the project. Andy Weaver, school resource officer and member of Pack 78, provided mentorship, helping guide the project and providing support throughout. Scott McDevitt, of McDevitt Construction in Paris, served as the project’s contractor, ensuring everything was built safely and to professional standards while also donating materials and hands-on support. A special thanks goes to McKenzie High School alum Tony Jackson of Troop 28 for his consistent hands-on help during construction.

The project also benefited from the help of Dyersburg High School Band Director Justin Russell, an Eagle Scout and current Cubmaster of Pack 37, who took the lead on the deck platform, although the jury’s still out on whether he remembered to use all the screws or just turned it into a percussion exercise.

Additional support came from McKenzie’s Pack 78, who came in at the end to help clean up the remaining wood pile and tidy the site. Volner Sawmill of Camden generously donated wood for the McKenzie High School woodshop to craft custom signage for the tower. The signage will be installed soon, providing a final finishing detail to commemorate the project.

In addition to Scouts and leaders, many community volunteers also stepped in throughout the process, donating time, tools and expertise to ensure the project’s success. Their involvement reflected the strong community spirit that makes McKenzie a special place to live and serve.

Additionally, Granges America supplied safety gear to keep all volunteers protected and ensure a safe work environment throughout construction.

Janyla also received support from her brothers from Troop 73, along with fellow Scouts from Troop 3, making this a great example of Scouts from different troops coming together in service.

Of course, no Eagle project would be complete without strong support. Janyla’s mom, Heather Piro, helped bring the project to life with her constant encouragement and love. Janyla’s Scoutmaster, Kathy Steele, and Assistant Scoutmaster, Daphne Jackson, offered their leadership and support throughout Janyla’s Scouting journey. As many Scouts know, the road to Eagle often runs through quiet but powerful support.

This project stands as a shining example of what Eagle Scouts represent: leadership, service, teamwork and lasting community impact. Congratulations to Janyla Piro on completing a project that will benefit her school and fellow band members for years to come.