For Thompson High School Sophomore Ayden Allred, it started with an idea. How could he create a self-sustaining solution to help pets and people have access to clean drinking water along the Buck Creek Trail in Alabaster, Alabama? Ayden chose this as his service project to achieve the Eagle Scout designation, the highest rank attainable through Boy Scouts of America. It requires the scout to earn 21 merit badges, serve in a leadership position, complete a service project and more.

Holly Allred, Ayden’s mom and an AFC product engineering technician, said Ayden chose his project because the family enjoys walking their dog along Buck Creek Trail, but they didn’t like for their dog to drink from the creek because of possible parasites and other things in the water. “Ayden was aware other scouts placed water coolers for people and pets along local trails but those must be maintained by someone,” Holly said. “He decided he’d like to create something self-sustaining and began researching plans for water distillation stations. These stations collect rainwater and use sunlight to distill water to a purified form for drinking. He said he got his inspiration from a survival game.”

Ayden installed two water distillation stations at Buck Creek Trail on October 28, 2023, one at Buck Creek Park and the other at Warrior Park. He was officially awarded Eagle Scout on February 5, 2024, after completing his board review. “Reviewers emphasized how pleased and impressed they were with Ayden’s Eagle Scout project,” Holly said. “We are so proud of Ayden and all he’s accomplished.”

Ayden has been a scout since the first grade when he joined Cub Scout Pack 220 of Alabaster. He earned his Arrow of Light, the highest Cub Scout rank, in fifth grade and then became a Boy Scout with Troop 2 in Helena. He is also a member of the Air Force JROTC and serves on their color guard team, presenting the flag at school and community events.