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The Jackson County Youth Court is now easier to find thanks to Boy Scout Clint Simms of Troop 220 in Moss Point. The Youth Court’s original entrance sign on Telephone Road was hit by a car last year and needed to be completely replaced. Clint contacted Jackson County Supervisor Manly Barton and requested permission to rebuild the sign as part of his requirements to earn his Eagle Scout Badge. “As soon as I saw the damaged sign, I knew repairing it would be a good Eagle Scout service project,” Simms said. “Residents from all over the County use the Youth Court building. Having a good entrance sign is important for drivers.” Clint rebuilt the sign with donations of brick, stucco and even some trade skill guidance. He began working on the project last fall with his father Gregg, brother Linn, and some fellow Troop members. “Unfortunately, Clint’s father, who has been actively supportive of his Scouting career, was diagnosed with lymphoma in October and the project had been put on hold while he went through treatments,” Dolanda Simms, Clint’s mom explained. Despite the setback, the sign was rebuilt and ready for lettering by late May 2008. Jackson County Maintenance employee Lance Williams, and family friend Larry Busby, helped Clint properly place the sign’s letters in June. Jackson County Maintenance Director Scott Karcher said, “It would have taken our department a while to get to making the repairs to the sign so Clint has been a huge help to us. He’s done a really good job, and we feel proud that we were able to help him earn his badge.” Clint actually has a special connection to the project. His great-grandfather, Judge Lawrence A. Watts, is the namesake of the L.A. Watts Youth Court “complex”. Judge Watts served as Youth Court Judge more than three decades ago. Eagle Scout is the highest rank in Scouting and only a small percentage of Scouts ever accomplish it. Along with fulfilling various requirements in leadership, service and outdoor skills, Scouts must work with other Scouts and community members to complete a large community project to earn this notable Badge. “Becoming an Eagle Scout takes a lot of work but its worth it in the long run. I’ve learned a lot of important skills like outdoor survival, search and rescue, and I earned my lifeguard certification,” said Clint, who will be a senior at Resurrection High School this upcoming school year. Clint has been a Scout for more than 10 years under the leadership of Scoutmaster Harry McDonald (Mr. Mac). Now that the project is complete, Clint will have a final Board review before he is officially awarded the Eagle Scout Badge. The Jackson County Board of Supervisors will also recognize his service project on the Youth Court sign at their July 7 meeting.
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