Teachers at Covington Street Elementary have a little more peace of mind when their students are on the playground at the school thanks to the Eagle Scout project of a Scotland High School of Math, Science and Technology sophomore.

As the service project for his badge, Charlie Wilcher, a scout in Troop 447, relocated 180 feet and added 100 feet of chain link fence around the school’s playground, completely enclosing the area.

“After talking with the school staff and (Scotland County School’s Maintenance Director) Roger Ammons, I decided to tackle this project because it was important for the safety of the students,” said Charlie.

“With the whole playground enclosed I am much more comfortable,” said Covington Street kindergarten teacher Leah Carter. “I don’t have to worry about my students going near the road. It really makes the area our students have for recess much larger.”

To complete the project, Wilcher sought and received donations from Dunbar Insurance, St. David’s Episcopal Church, and family members. The 100 feet of new fencing was purchased by Scotland County Schools.

Charlie also enlisted the help of friends and family members to help complete the project.

“In all, seven people put in around 130 hours to move and put up the new fencing,” said Charlie. “It was a valuable experience to learn how to manage people and coordinate all the activities to make sure the project got done.”

Wilcher, the son of Andrew and Sandra Wilcher and a six-year Boy Scout has only to successfully complete an Eagle Scout board of review to attain the rank of Eagle Scout.