Kevin Hernandez of Miami Lakes earned an Eagle Scout rank in May.
A graduate of Hialeah-Miami Lakes Senior High School, Kevin, 17, hopes to join the U.S. Air Force in the fall and become a firefighter.
To earn his scouting credential, Kevin volunteered for more than 120 hours at the Miami-Dade County Animal Services Center in Doral.
“I feel very accomplished,” Kevin said. “I believe that I was successful in my efforts to help animals at the shelter and I was proud of the work I’ve done, and very thankful for the people that helped me.”
His Eagle project also included building obstacle course structures, beds and donation boxes. He also raised money for the animal shelter, said Scoutmaster Sean Schwinghammer.
“I gained an appreciation for the animals’ conditions and the shelter staff, they were very helpful with the process,” Kevin said. “I love animals. I have a dog and two birds. They are my favorite people in the world.”
As a scout with Troop 566, Kevin participated in or led eight flag retirement ceremonies. He also attended all of the troop’s camping trips and week-long summer camps and advanced quickly, Schwinghammer said.
Kevin volunteered for the American Legion at a July 4th BBQ and served pizza at the Our Lady of the Lakes’ annual festival.
He belongs to Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Parish and its youth group; joined the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps and played tennis for the Trojans.
Kevin is a son of Elizabeth Cuesta and Victor Hernandez. He has a brother, Cesar Hernandez, 15, and the family lives in town. Four years ago they moved to Miami Lakes from New Jersey.
Until he joins the military, Kevin will continue scooping ice cream at a local shop.