Submitted PhotoSean Richardson has earned the rank of Eagle Scout with help from his fellow scouts in Troop 415. He will receive the award Sept. 11.

LAKELAND — Seanesee Richardson will soar with the Eagles.

The injured Boy Scout has achieved the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout, according to leaders of Troop 415 and his mother.

The Boy Scout national office approved the rank for Richardson. He will officially receive his Eagle Scout award during an honor court ceremony scheduled for Sept. 11 at Park Avenue United Methodist Church, said Stephen Findlay, an assistant scoutmaster with Troop 415.

The church sponsors Troop 415 which is led by Scoutmaster Paul Watson, who has been instrumental in ensuring Richardson will receive his Eagle Scout rank.

Sean Richardson was a Lanier County High School sophomore, a trumpet player in the school band, a Life Scout with Boy Scout Troop 415 in Valdosta.

On Dec. 12, 2016, his life changed. 

While changing a tire, a van fell on his chest. He was unable to breathe properly for nearly an hour. He suffered brain damage in the accident.

Prior to the accident, Richardson had earned all of the necessary merit badges and served the required leadership roles to earn the rank of Eagle. He had even presented the proposal to replace rotting wood and paint fences and benches around Lake Irma in Lanier County.

In May, Watson and Findlay led the scouts of Troop 415 in following the instructions outlined in Richardson’s Eagle project at Lake Irma. Richardson was there in his wheelchair, with mom Kimberly Richardson.

Richardson had detailed his proposal so well that officials found he met all of the leadership aspects of completing the project, Mrs. Richardson said.

She said her son has shown signs of improvement this summer, with increased recognition of family and friends.