Libertyville Boy Scout Aydin Merchant starts music program at Learn 6 Charter School in Great Lakes
Earning the Eagle Rank with Boy Scouts USA requires demonstration of leadership of others while performing a project for the benefit of their community. Aydin Merchant, 17-year-old resident of Libertyville and a boy scout with Troop 194, recently earned his Eagle rank.
For his project, Merchant partnered with Learn 6 North Chicago Charter School in Great Lakes to start their first musical instrument program for students.
“I’ve always had a passion for music and wanted to help other kids engage and learn music when they are young, so they can grasp the skills quickly and also have an outlet for creativity and emotions later in life,” Merchant said. “Instruments like the ukulele are a perfect beginner instrument for kids to learn since it only has four strings and frets that make it easy to play in tune.”
Merchant chose to partner with a Learn 6 Charter school knowing charter schools don’t always have the funding and resources for programs like music but can have lasting benefits for kids long-term.
With the support of family and friends, Merchant provided Learn 6 Charter School:
• 26 new ukuleles for both right and left-handed students
• Custom-built 8-foot wooden case to store the ukuleles at the school
• 26 new music books for students to learn instrumental music
• Supplies (individual cases, string, etc.) and resources to school staff
Merchant recalls the toughest part of the project was designing the custom-built wooden case for the instruments with the goal of keeping it slim but also strong and sturdy enough to properly store the ukuleles with their individual cases, and space for the music books on the sides.
Throughout the many months working on this project, Merchant was constantly motivated by picturing the 500 young students experiencing music in an impactful way.
“Upon completion, I felt gratification knowing I was able to make a difference,” he said. “I hope I will continue to find meaningful ways to help others at all times!”
For more information about Boy Scouts, visit: scouting.org.
For Troop 194 Libertyville information, visit go194.mytroop.us/home.