Dearborn Co. scout earns Eagle Scout by helping cats in Franklin County

(BRIGHT, Ind.) – A local high schooler has earned her Eagle Scout through a project that is helping outdoor cats.

Harrison High School senior Emily Benight is one of the founding members of Scouting America Troop 1693 in Bright. 

It was established in 2019 and is the “sister” troop associated with Boy Scout Troop 693. 

For her project, she collected large coolers from around the community and then recycled them into cat houses. 

Benight donated them to the Franklin County Humane Society where they will be used to help sustain outdoor cat colonies. 

“I was excited to combine my love of helping animals with a project that could benefit the community. My project was something I had dreamed of creating since starting in Scouting America,” Benight said.

Emily is just the second founding member of Troop 1693 to earn her Eagle Scout. 

She added that there is a third member who is currently working on their project now. 

“I am also working towards completing my Girl Scout Gold Award, which means I will have earned all the higher awards in both scouting groups,” Emily said. 

Benight plans to attend college and study epidemiology.