GRAFENWOEHR, Germany AcE+' Daniel Pippin understands the importance of reading. Whether it's reading for education or reading for fun, the 14-year-old finds comfort in the books around him.
"I wanted to pass this on to other students," said Pippin.
Now a ninth-grader at Vilseck High School, Pippin reminisced of his middle school days, oh so long ago, during a recent interview.
"For five years I went to a German school," said Pippin. "And I noticed in our English class we only had textbooks. I was inspired to do something about that when my Eagle Scout project came along."
The veteran Boy Scout collected English fiction and nonfiction books for his project that he later delivered to the Dreifaltigkeits-Grundschule, the elementary school in which his younger brother, Christopher, currently attends.
Pippin set up donation boxes in various locations around Main Post and Rose Barracks and asked his teachers and fellow high school students to aid in his quest of collecting 300 books for German students.
Much to his surprise, the community outpour well exceeded his expectations.
"I collected more than 1,500 books in less than three months," boasted Pippin proudly.
Pippin's father, Dave, shared his son's pride.
"(Daniel) saw a real need in the German school and came up with a great project that benefits both communities, American and German," said Dave. "He showed great maturity dealing with two cultures and coordinating multiple efforts to ensure completion."
The excess books collected allowed Pippin to share the wealth, adding his alma mater to the drop-off list.
The Gregor-Mendel Gymnasium in Amberg, Germany, was a surprise recipient of more than 250 books.
Schools were especially grateful for the donations and have already put the books to good use, according to Pippin.
"The students were really happy and the little kids were surprised," said Pippen. "It was a great project because everyone needs books."
Through the success of his Eagle Scout project, Pippin brought the gift of imagination and storytelling to fellow students and learned a valuable lesson on benevolence.
"Boy Scouts helps you build character and teaches you about helping others," said Pippen. "This project helped me understand that life is about selfless service to your community and country.
That is what makes the world a better place."
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