HOPKINTON: Ragav Jeevanantham, Hopkinton High School senior, has recently completed his Eagle Scout service project by planning and building a set of training steps for dogs waiting for adoption at the Greyhound Friends shelter.

Asked why he chose this particular project, Ragav said “I’ve been volunteering at Greyhound Friends for about two and a half years. I love dogs and feel a strong connection to them, so I wanted to provide something that could help them. Now we can teach them how to go up and down stairs, which some dogs are a little afraid of. Training can improve their chances to be adopted.”

With the help of volunteer scouts from Hopkinton’s Troop 1 and several of their parents, the work was completed on September 28, 2024, ahead of schedule. “I’m really grateful for all the adults and scouts who came to help out with the project,” Ragav adds. “Because of their cooperation and diligence we were able to finish the project in just one day.” He presented a detailed project proposal, recruited volunteers, and raised funds to cover the project’s expenses.

Longtime shelter volunteer and past president Cathy DeNorscia of Marlborough oversaw this project. “I’m so thankful that the incredible Hopkinton High School volunteers and the parents from Boy Scout Troop #1 built this amazing ramp and stairs,” she beamed. Greyhound Friends executive director Terri Shepard added, “Not only are the kennel dogs learning some new skills, they’re also gaining confidence and benefiting from a fun new activity in their day. This is such a big help to us.”

Board president Michael Simon of Holliston commented, “The Eagle Scout service project must be one that benefits the community, and one that demonstrates the scout’s ability to plan, budget time and money, provide leadership, and give direction to others. In the detailed planning an execution of this project, Ragav has certainly accomplished these objectives.”