When 15-year-old Scout Hendrix noticed an issue affecting pedestrian traffic at Wimberley High, he rose up to the task to rectify it.
With the help of a handful of volunteers, Hendrix this summer constructed a new pedestrian footbridge between Wimberley High and Danforth Junior High.
The bridge, part of an Eagle Scout project, took roughly 420 hours for Hendrix and his team to complete, according to a release.
“We all know that it was hot this summer, so that makes this story even more remarkable,” said Greg Howard, Danforth Junior High School Principal. “Despite the heat, Scout prevailed in his work to build this bridge between our campuses and the district office. As a principal, it’s exciting to see students that walked our halls in junior high go on to do wonderful things and turn out this fantastic.”
Hendrix , a Life Scout with the Wimberley Boy Scouts Troop 127, was recognized by WISD’s board of trustees for his project. Part of Hendrix’ project included removing a “dilapidated” old version of the footbridge that spanned a large ditch between Wimberley High and Danforth Junior High. The bridge was no longer used due to safety issues.
Local builders Dave Osborn and Civil Engineer Hugo Elizondo, Jr. advised Hendrix on the project and helped him design and shape the bridge prior and during construction. Hendrix and his volunteer team spent 425 hours on the footbridge, including 120 hours constructing it.
“Thank you for providing me with this opportunity to learn and improve as a person. I feel like I gained a lot from completing this footbridge and I can use this experience later in life on even bigger projects,” said Hendrix.
Dwain York, Wimberley ISD superintendent, who regularly walks back and forth between the two campuses, said he was grateful for the craftsmanship and attention to detail.
“I can’t thank you enough,” York said in a statement. “This is the real deal. It’s a solid bridge. I’m so impressed. Anyone who hasn’t seen it or tried it out, should head back there and walk across it.”
Hendrix is awaiting his official promotion to Eagle Scout. The Board of Review will look over his footbridge, as well as his record of advancement, character and participation in troop campouts, service and civic events.
