Hunter Thompson talks with Aaron Eastman during a work party May 13 at Sherwood Community Center. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)

Hunter Thompson talks with Aaron Eastman during a work party May 13 at Sherwood Community Center. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)

Teen giving back to Lake Stevens nonprofit that helped him

LAKE STEVENS — Hunter Thompson wanted to give back to a place that had given to him.

The 17-year-old Lake Stevens High School student and his family were deciding what to do for his Eagle Scout project when they remembered Sherwood Community Services, a nonprofit that helped them when Hunter was a toddler. He is involved in Boys Scouts of America, and the highest rank — Eagle Scout — is his next step. A service project is central to achieving that rank.

The teen led a group of nearly 40 volunteers May 13 as they put in a large planter box and new stairs with a handrail at Sherwood Community Services. The Lake Stevens-based nonprofit provides services for children and adults with disabilities. Experts there provide early intervention therapy for infants and toddlers, assistive technology services for all ages, and employment help for adults.

Thompson, who was diagnosed with a brain disorder as an infant, participated in classes and therapy at Sherwood when he was about 2 years old. Fifteen years later, it felt good to give back, he said.

“It was cool to do this for Sherwood,” Thompson said. “I enjoyed it, and I am sure they enjoyed it, too, for someone to come back and help them.”

Communicating was the hardest part of the project for him, he said. There were a lot of people there. But being the leader also was his favorite part. He thinks he did a pretty good job.

His mom, Jeanne Thompson, has been helping him with his final paperwork to become an Eagle Scout. It was a long road, she said, but Hunter didn’t give up. That’s become a defining part of his character. He struggles with cognitive delay, but is strong and determined to overcome obstacles.

“This is a huge accomplishment. It really is,” she said. “It’s something he can feel proud of.”

Hunter also has volunteered to help other scouts with their projects. He loves Boy Scouts, especially the camping and hiking. He and his family always have enjoyed the outdoors. Thompson also is an athlete. He swims and plays basketball and golf in the Special Olympics. It’s too hard to decide what his favorite sport is, he said. He volunteers with the Special Olympics when he can.

He’s the youngest of two siblings. Sister Kiersten, 21, is an accounting student at Western Washington University. Hunter’s favorite subject is history, and he’d like to go to college, maybe to study law.

He hopes his project inspires other people, especially scouts, to help in their communities. His advice is simple, though not always easy to live by.

“Never give up what you started,” he said. “Push through to the end.”

Kari Bray: 425-339-3439; kbray@heraldnet.com

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