By Tammy Roberts

Roberts@hometownnewsol.com

The South Animal Care & Adoption Center in Melbourne now has a new look thanks to the help of a local eighth-grader.

David Wilson, 13, of Boy Scouts Troop No. 332 spent the majority of his Thanksgiving break painting a portion of the facility to earn the title of Eagle Scout, the highest rank in the Boy Scouting program.

An Indialantic resident, David performed the task as part of his required community service project, in which Scouts are required to plan, organize, lead and manage a team of others.

"I just really like animals, so I wanted to do something that could help get them adopted," said David, who attends Hoover Middle School. "One of the members of our church suggested it, and I thought it sounded like a good idea."

Accompanied by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Melbourne and fellow Scouts from his troop, David painted a fresh coat of yellow paint along the outside and inside walls of the facility's dog adoption area.

The team also used a stencil to paint red and blue paw prints along the 120-square-foot area.

"That outside wall had never been repainted since the building was built in 1992; it was definitely in need of a fresh coat," said Willis Spivey, the facility's animal care kennel supervisor. "We are so glad David chose us for his project. We're hoping it lightens the place up and helps us get some more dogs adopted."

In order to complete each project, Scouts are encouraged to look to the community for help.

Brevard-based Richard's Paint and Ace Hardware in Indialantic provided David with the items required for his project, which included several gallons of paint and primer, roller brushes and handles, medium brushes, paint pans, plastic wrap and liquid mold remover.

"We are a local community business and feel that it's important to support - to the best of our abilities - individuals and organizations who choose to make our community a better place," said Ed Struttmann, owner of Ace Hardware in Indialantic.

Mr. Struttmann said he is extremely proud of the Eagle Scout candidates, who the shop has supported throughout the past several years.

"They show leadership skills to carry a project from inception to completion," he said. "It's an honor to work with these young folks because they really care for their local communities."

Now that he and his team have completed the project, David will be recognized during a special Boy Scouts ceremony called a "Court of Honor."

"I definitely learned some leadership skills and teamwork skills," David said. "I was also impressed that I got so many people to come out and help. I had a lot of fun."

The South Animal Care & Adoption Center is at 5100 W. Eau Gallie Blvd., Melbourne.