When Troop 902’s Mark D. began the project that would earn him Eagle Scout status, his objective was to help his Fairfield community.  But he was pleasantly surprised to find out just how eager the community was to help him in his endeavor as well.

   “The help I received on (my project) was phenomenal,” said Mark, 16, who constructed a privacy fence and installed landscaping on the grounds of the Janet Clemmons Center/Fairfield Kindergarten Center, 4641 Bach Lane.  “People in my troop, the Civitan, local business owners, and members of the community really helped me get things done.”  A total of 173 combined hours — of which 126 were hours put in from the community — were dedicated to the project that Mark was encouraged by Scout leader Jane Schmidt to pursue.

   The project had a personal connection for Mark.  “I chose this project because it was one close to my heart since I have a brother who is mentally handicapped,” he said of his 20-year-old brother, Matt.  “And it was also a way to give back to the community and do something for the schools.”

   And the schools couldn’t be more thankful.

   “There is no way we could have afforded to do what he did,” said the school’s special education pre-school teacher, of the roughly $2,000 in renovations Mark did, all through donations.  “His project looks like a park area.  The fence and landscaping have really dressed things up.  It gives us such a sense of pride when the community gives back to us.”  Another special education preschool teacher at the school said that it will be a great area for the students in the spring to plant flowers and enjoy outdoor activities.

   At the completion of his project, which lasted roughly nine months, Mark was recognized as an Eagle Scout after working up the ranks from Tiger Cub when he was just 8 years old.  He will go through his Court of Honor ceremony with his troop at a later date.

   “I am so proud of Mark,” his mother, Chris, said.  “I can’t thank the schools and scouting organization enough for helping to shape his character.  He’s growing into a fine young man.”

   Mark plans to do a bit of spring maintenance to his project, which he credits for giving him a green thumb through the crash course in landscaping.

   “I knew nothing about landscaping prior to this,” he said.  “But I got so much help from so many people.  It was an amazing undertaking and I couldn’t have done it without all the support.”

Editor’s note:  We are proud of Mark’s character and commitment and of the example he has set for others to follow.  His project and the way he conducted it reinforce our belief that we all gain when we give to others.

Webmaster's note:  BSA guidelines prohibit publishing over the internet the full name of any youths, so we are showing our honored Scout’s first name and last initial only.  His friends and family and those he has helped know him well, though.