Matthew Demerson had a lofty goal—so he decided to build a couple of them to accomplish it.

The Bowie High School junior and Eagle Scout candidate led his fellow Boy Scouts from Troop 403 in collecting donations to build soccer goals at Casey Elementary School.

"I chose Casey because I wanted to help students that perhaps don't have the same opportunities as me," Demerson said. "Casey is a Title I school and therefore I knew there was a need to shine light on the advantages of sports in a fun, but tangible and positive manner."

 A member of the Bowie soccer team, Demerson's love for the game was a natural match for a scouting service project. 

He also presented the school with 107 pairs of soccer cleats to help jumpstart its after-school soccer program. Demerson and Troop 403 will build the the soccer goals for Casey soon.  

"Playing soccer makes me even more focused on education, and helps me to compete in all aspects of my life in a disciplined manner," Demerson said. "My Eagle Scout project allowed me to help younger students know character is very important, especially in terms of mutual respect, integrity, quality and commitment to excellence."