Justin Taravella, a Luling resident and junior at Brother Martin High School in New Orleans, planned, coordinated and constructed a bicycle service station at the Bonnet Carre Spillway in partnership with the U.S. Army Corp of Engineer.
The station was Taravella’s service project for the Boy Scouts, which he has been a member of since the first grade.
“When I was a student at St. Charles Borromeo School, I joined Cub Scout Pack 267, chartered by the American Legion in St. Rose,” Taravella said. “My experience since then has shaped me into the leader I am today.”
The bike repair station at the spillway features a pump, wrenches, and a pry tool for anyone who visits the spillway on their bike.
The idea for the service project came to Taravella after he got a flat tire while completing his Cycling Merit Badge on the levee trail.
“It was then that I wished that there was a place where I could fill the tire and fix it,” Taravella said. “I thought that it was important to construct a bike repair station because I know how many people use the Bonnet Carre Spillway to ride their bikes.”
The project required a lot of back and forth with the Army Corps of Engineers.
“Getting approvals and making sure everyone involved was on the same page was the most demanding part of the project,” Taravella said. “We had to go through multiple redesigns, each time conforming to the restrictions the Corps had given me.”
At a Court of Honor ceremony on Jan. 10, Taravella was awarded the highest honor for members of Boy Scouts: the Eagle Scout rank. The rank represents mastery of scouting skills, dedicated leadership and community service. It requires earning at least 21 merit badges, leading a major service project, and demonstrating the Scout Oath and Law before age 18, signifying a lifelong commitment to integrity and responsibility.
“It was surreal receiving the honor of Eagle Scout,” Taravella said. “During the Court of Honor, I couldn’t believe I had spent 12 years of my life camping, learning life skills and doing service projects and it all led to that point. I had a moment of realization showing me that what I put in is what I get out.”
Taravella is a member of Boy Scout Troop 317 in Destrehan.
“I learned [through Boy Scouts] that good things take time to develop,” he said. “You cannot just wish for something to happen and expect it to. You have to work hard and stay focused to get what you really want.”
Taravella said if others are considering joining the Boy Scouts, they should join.
“You will make so many memories and have so many great experiences,” he said. “You’ll be given leadership opportunities and opportunities to explore the United States. I would tell them to take the opportunity and run with it.”
Taravella plans to continue his involvement in Boy Scouts by attending Troop meetings and serving as an advisor to younger scouts.
“But when I have my own kids, I plan on convincing them to join the Boy Scouts,” he said.
