Keep Allen Beautiful volunteer Mason Gray Moon has earned statewide recognition for restoring hundreds of headstones at the historic Allen Cemetery.
Moon, pictured on the far right, researched headstone restoration techniques used by groundskeepers at Arlington National Cemetery. He then led a group of fellow Boy Scouts who carefully cleaned nearly 400 individual grave sites.
“Headstones that were kind of gray and dingy are now white and beautiful and easily read,” said Donna Kliewer, waste services manager for the City of Allen. “His planning, organization and restoration with his group has really made a difference.”
Keep Allen Beautiful submitted Moon’s efforts for state recognition by Keep Texas Beautiful. He won second place in the organization’s Ruthe Jackson Youth Leadership Award. Allen City Council members recognized Moon for his efforts during the June 14 meeting.
“I think that’s just remarkable, for you guys to have that vision,” said Allen councilmember Baine Brooks. “It’s just awesome.”
Members of the Boy Scouts plan to provide future upkeep of the cemetery. Allen Cemetery is located on McDermott Drive just west of Greenville Avenue.