Downers Grove South freshman gets promoted to Eagle Scout
When 15-year-old Millan Ananth set his sights on becoming an Eagle Scout, the highest rank within the Scouting America organization (formerly Boy Scouts of America), he knew exactly what he wanted to do as his service project: renovate the weight room at Lakeview Junior High School. Ananth, a 2024 Lakeview graduate, wanted to give back to his beloved junior high.
He first conceptualized the weight room renovation project in January 2024, then approached the District 66 Board of Education for consent to proceed with it. “Not only did they approve the project,” Ananth said, “they were thrilled about it!”
With the greenlight from the District, Ananth proposed his project to the Eagle Scout committee, who talked with him about the project’s possibilities and potential problems before approving it.
Next, Ananth developed a project plan, which included installing new flooring, painting the weight room, adding wall decals, replacing dated fitness equipment, and enhancing the space with miscellaneous “extras,” such as a cleaning station, television, and rules signage.
Ananth also established a budget. He set a fundraising goal of $10,000, which he quickly surpassed thanks to the generosity of family, friends, and others in the Lakeview community. “People I barely know or talk to were so generous in supporting me giving back to my community,” Ananth said with gratitude.
“People I barely know or talk to were so generous in supporting me giving back to my community.”
— MILLAN ANANTH
In addition to the $10,400 he raised via GoFundMe, Ananth received supplemental funding from the Team 66 Education Foundation for a total of nearly $12,500. Home Depot and Whitmore ACE Hardware also donated painting and other project supplies.
Ananth dedicated much of his 2024 summer break to painting and installing new flooring in the weight room. The new fitness equipment was added in August and September, then some of Lakeview’s staff – led by head custodian Mr. Ed Ruby – completed finishing touches in October. “I wanted capable adults at the school to make sure everything was put together correctly…for the safety of the students,” Ananth said.
He submitted his project report this February and passed his Eagle Board review the week before spring break.
Ananth logged 200 planning hours and 60 hands-on hours, but the entire project took nearly 800 hours. The renovation was only possible because Ananth assembled a strong group of volunteers.
“The rule of thumb when it comes to Eagle projects is that if you go to someone else’s to help, they’ll be more inclined to help with your project,” Ananth explained.
So, he said, it was no surprise that many of his “Scout buddies” stepped up to assist with the renovation. Other friends and family members also helped. “I’m indebted to them for life,” Ananth said.
Ananth has relished in the fruits of his (and his team’s) labors. Hearing others’ feedback “is the coolest part,” he said.
“I know a bunch of eighth graders at Lakeview, and they texted me about how great the weight room is,” Ananth said. “[Lakeview PE teacher and coach Mr. Dave] Dvorak said they want to be in there every day, which has the biggest impact.”
Besides pride in the finished project, Ananth will carry forward the skills he gained through the process, including communication, budgeting, leadership, problem prevention and problem-solving, and patience.
Ananth joined Cub Scouts when he was in first grade. He was in Pack 48 out of Darien before “crossing over” into Troop 55 out of Downers Grove at the end of fifth grade. Troop 55 has operated out of First Congregational Church since 1929 and is the sixth-oldest troop in Illinois.
Ananth also served in various Scout leadership positions, including the highest one: senior patrol leader.
He said it is a “weird feeling” to know he is done advancing within Scouts. However, he is committed to staying involved in the organization – attending Scout meetings, summer camps, and camping trips. He will just focus a little more on the leisure components now that he does not have to work toward merit badges to advance in rank.
Most immediately, Ananth wants to head back to Lakeview to see the weight room now that the final punch list items requiring staff attention have been completed. “I also want to come back to Lakeview in 20 years to see it,” Ananth said. “I hope it’s still the same weight room!”
The Lakeview Junior High weight room before
and after Millan Ananth renovated it.
