In true Eagle Scout fashion, when Riley Sanders of the Capitol Area Council noticed a problem with a northeast Austin middle school’s drainage system, he didn’t just point it out. He put a plan in action to solve it. In turn, he received the Texas Environmental Excellence Award (TEEA) for youth.

Surface runoff, which causes rain water to enter drainage systems without filtering through the Earth’s soil, plagues Dobie Middle School. At least it did until Riley launched a multi-year project that not only redirected runoff but also benefited a garden and common area for students.

“Water comes down from the whole parking lot and goes into our grate system, and that goes into the garden and just irrigates all the plants,” Riley explained in a TEEA video featuring the award-winning Scout.

Riley didn’t accomplish the feat alone. He displayed Eagle Scout caliber leadership to round up more than 100 volunteers (including fellow Scouts) to help him lead the way in environmental service.

“That was the most rewarding for me – seeing everyone working together toward the common goal,” the humble Scout said.

This isn’t the first time Scouts have been recognized for their fastidious concern for the world around them. On the TEEA site, the organization touted the BSA for its youth’s actions.

“As an organization, the Boy Scouts of America has consistently developed leaders in the environmental and public service arenas,” the site states. “Through his hard work and passion for improving the environment and the lives of others, Riley Sanders joined the elite ranks of those youth who stand out from their peers in making a lasting difference.”

Learn more about how Riley made it happen in the video below.