Old Mill High student on autism spectrum earns Eagle Scout rank; Glen Burnie East

Old Mill High School student Raymond Boyer may be on the autism spectrum, but the spectrum does hasn't slowed him. The highly-functioning senior was named an Eagle Scout on Sept. 11.

Ray's mother, Carol Boyer, said his determination not to let his disorder define him helps him succeed.

"Ray has a very engaging personality and has never been a shy child," Carol said. "While he might enjoy some down time, he will willingly jump in to lend a hand."

Ray is a member of the Four Rivers District and is a member of Troop 447. Before that, he attended Troop 873. Ray has completed all requirements for the Eagle rank, including 37 merit badges.

He has been scouting since he was a Tiger and is a member of the Order of the Arrow. Ray plans to be assistant Scoutmaster for his troop.

Ray's Eagle project involved installing an outdoor seating area under the concrete step overhang beside the South Locker Bank Entrance on the Patriot Lane side of the Old Mill High School complex. The new area includes two ADA-compliant benches and landscaping. Ray was able to obtain donations for the project from local businesses, family and friends.

Fence and Deck Connection donated pressure treated lumber and Trex composite material for the two four-foot benches. Anne Arundel County Farmers Co-op and Lowes in Severn donated two English boxwoods to spruce up the space.

The existing grass was removed, protective ground cloth laid, edging was installed and mulch was spread. Alumni from the Classes of 1977, 1983, 1990 and 2017 donated their time and funds to help complete the project.

Chef in training

Ray's passion is culinary arts. While dining at Ruth's Chris for his birthday last month, he completed an application. He interviewed with the executive chef and was hired as a roundsman.

Carol said Ray has wanted to be a chef since he was in second grade, and every IEP (individualized education program) since has mentioned his ambition. He completed the culinary arts program at the Center of Applied Technology North and placed in the regional Skills USA competition for restaurant services.

Carol said Ray typically downplays his accomplishments. He can become frustrated when peers cannot see past his disorder. She said sometimes his self-confidence is low and he does not realize the significance of his accomplishments.

Ray enjoys gaming, biking and playing the violin. He has participated in Old Mill's orchestra for two years, and takes private lessons in bluegrass and folk music. Ray also enjoys spending time with his family's boxer, Scout.

After helping the Anne Arundel Alarmers for three years with Christmas tree sales and jobs around the station, Ray plans to volunteer. He also wants to join a Boy Scouts Venture Troop.

After graduation, Ray plans to attend Anne Arundel Community College for a degree in Hotel, Culinary Arts and Tourism.

"In second grade he came home one day with a crayon picture saying when I grow up I want to be a chef," Carol said. "I am so happy and proud he has followed through with this dream."

Free movie

The community of Ferndale will show "Coco", its final free outdoor movie of the season at dusk on Friday at the Michael J. Wagner Park at Broadview Boulevard and Third Avenue South.

Participants should bring chairs or blankets. Popcorn and drinks will be sold for $1 each. A copy of the movie and snacks will be raffled. Chances are $1 or six for $5.

Church block party

The community is invited to join Harundale Presbyterian Church on the lawn, 1020 Eastway, 1-4 p.m. Saturday for its block party featuring hot dogs and treats, a moonbounce, face painting, games and animal visits.

For details, call 410-766-4338.

Community Day

Check out Bay Life Community Church, Old Stage Road, noon - 4 p.m. Saturday at its Community Day. The event will offer food, moonbounces, live music, face painting and fellowship.

For more information, call the church at 410-787-9893.

All-night bingo

The Glen Burnie Volunteer Fire Company will hold an all-night bingo Oct. 6 at its lodge, 1012 Bell Ave. Doors open at 5 p.m. Play begins at 7 p.m.

Admission is $30 and includes a 9-pack of 70 games plus breakfast. Extra 3-packs will be sold for $5. For more information, email gbvfclodgerental@gmail.com.

Chesapeake Chefs Challenge

Local chefs can compete for a first-place $1,000 cash prize at the Chesapeake Chefs Challenge Oct. 22, hosted by the Anne Arundel Community College Hotel, Culinary Arts and Tourism Institute, 7438 Ritchie Hwy.

For a list of competition categories, visit http://www.acfchefs.org/download/documents/Competitions/Culinary_Competition_Manual.pdf.

To register, visit http://www.marylandrestaurants.com/uploads/9/7/4/2/97427762/chesapeakechefschallenge2018_regform.pdf.

To share your news in the Glen Burnie area, contact Amy Laque at MDGazetteAmy@gmail.com or 443-924-6440. Follow her on Twitter @GlenBurnieTalk.

Credit: Amy Laque - To share your news in the Glen Burnie area, contact Amy Laque at MDGazetteAmy@gmail.com or 443-924-6440. Follow her on Twitter @GlenBurnieTalk.

Caption: Newly minted Eagle Scout Raymond Boyer and his dog, Scout, at Ray's project site at the Old Mill High School complex.

Courtesy Photo