Central Valley freshman Kadin Richardson moved a step closer to achieving the Boy Scouts of America's highest rank.

"When I was a member of Cub Scouts/Webelos Pack 132, I earned the Arrow of Light award," Kadin said. "That inspired me to go as far as I could in Boy Scouts."

Richardson, 15, completed his Eagle Scout rank community service project this past weekend.

"It was a combined effort between me, the city of Ceres and the rest of my scout troops," said Kadin, who's been an active member of Ceres Boy Scouts Troop 9 since the fifth grade. "I know I've done my part to try to keep the environment less polluted and more safe."

Kadin helped plan, organize and execute a project that focused on educating the public about storm drain safety and water conservation.

Richardson and 18 other scout members glued metal warning labels near 200-plus storm drains, documented maintenance needs and passed out pamphlets throughout the Eastgate neighborhood, between 8 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., on Saturday in Ceres.

"I really liked seeing the final results," he said. "I still have to go in front of the Board to present everything I've done to earn the rank. We have to schedule a date."

Richardson joined Ceres Boy Scouts Troop 9 at the age of 11.

He worked his way up through the ranks by racking up community service hours, and earning activity pins and belt loops.

"I'm one of the first ones in the past 10 years in our Troop to earn the Eagle Scout rank," Kadin said. "It's really special. It means a lot. It shows how dedicated and committed I've been to the Troop. It's a fun time. It teaches you so many different life lessons."