San Ramon Girl Earns Eagle Scout Rank Helping Bay Area Women

SAN RAMON, CA — It was just a few years ago that girls were prohibited from joining the ranks of Boy Scouts of America. Now, San Ramon's Apara Sai is among the first crop of female scouts to achieve the organization's highest recognition, Eagle Scout.

Apara is a member of Troop 36G of the Golden Gate Area Council's Meridian District.

She gathered more than 50 volunteers to rejuvenate Project Pride, an Oakland residential program dedicated to serving women working toward recovery from substance use, according to the Scouts. Project Pride said it also provides child care and education for the children of mothers receiving counseling.

Apara raised money to give the complex's backyard a facelift, according to the Scouts website. Volunteers painted two murals, built a playground, painted a racetrack and hopscotch grid and planted a garden for families at Project Pride. The outdoor area includes space for meditation or meetings.

"I'm so, so just surprised and impressed ... by Apara's work here," said Project Pride counselor Cara Durbin. "She has really transformed our backyard."

Take a look at Apara's handiwork on the Scouts website.