Local People
- Last Updated on Sunday, 29 May 2016 20:39
Five young men who have been Boy Scouts with Troop 215 for years recently obtained the rank of Eagle Scout. They are:
Ethan J. Kinsella |
Ethan J. Kinsella, 18, grew up in Bethel Park and is a senior at Bethel Park High School.
Ethan’s Eagle Service Project was to construct replacement flower boxes, update planters, and refinish the benches located in the back of St. Thomas More Church. He needed to consult professionals as he initiated this project, establish a budget, compile a list of materials, fundraise, and recruit volunteers from both the scout troop and community to lead the effort to completion. After months of planning and the infusion of generous donations, the project began in August 2015.
Ethan recognizes and appreciates the kindness and support of the many people who joined with him to complete the Eagle Award. Special thanks to Andrew Hinzman, his Eagle Project mentor, the priests and staff at St. Thomas More Church, the individuals who generously donated to this project, troop members, uncles, and his parents, Kevin and Cheryl Kinsella.
David Justin Corbin |
David Justin Corbin, 18, is a high school senior, the son of Brian and Sue Corbin of Upper St. Clair.
David’s Eagle Scout project was done to benefit Operation Troop Appreciation (OTA). He worked with local VFW and American Legion commanders and local businesses to collect supplies including food, hygiene, clothing items, bedding, games and more. In all, he and the volunteers collected 115 boxes of supplies that were, in part, sent to Army and Air Force troops in Jordan, Afghanistan, and South Korea, many with morale issues. He also donated $3,242.45 to OTA, some of which will help returning veterans. David is thankful for all the support during the project, with special thanks to Bob Witherell, Andy Amhrein & Keith Boivin.
David is thankful for everyone who has helped him on his Scouting journey. Special thanks go to Carl Huhn, Ryan Hurey, Rich Holbert, Barney Payseure and John Roth. He’s also very thankful for all the many people in Upper St. Clair, Bethel Park, and SCI Fayette who supported the many fundraisers over the years.
Brendan Joeseph Fagan |
Brendan Joseph Fagan, 18, is the son of Patti and Joe Fagan of Bethel Park and is currently a senior at Bethel Park High School.
Brendan’s Eagle Project was to refurbish the Jubilee Soup Kitchen. The three major changes he made were replacing three of the old ceiling fans in the dining room with bigger and more powerful ones, putting ceilings and light fixtures into two bathrooms, and installing thick plastic sheets on the walls in the hallway that lead to the back room to protect them from the food carts that could have scratched them when passing through.
He chose this as his Eagle Project because when he was younger he would volunteer there to fulfill required service hours and he wanted to help them in return. Brendan would not have been able to complete his project without the help of his parents, leaders, and fellow scouts, so he is really appreciative of them.
Gregory Curtis Holbert |
Gregory Curtis Holbert, 17, is the son of Richard and Lisa Holbert of Bethel Park.
Greg chose his Eagle Project to benefit the Troop’s Charter Organization, Bethel Presbyterian Church. He organized and led approximately 50 scouts, leaders and friends to remove two broken-down railroad tie retaining walls and remove weeds and overgrown bushes and a giant oak stump from the neglected mulch beds above the walls. He replaced the retaining walls with Versa-lock block walls and landscaped the area above the retaining walls. In addition to getting over 200 blocks donated and several yards of mulch and other materials for his project, he was also able to get a stump grinder, bobcat, dump truck and operators donated for the project.
With an estimated total project value in excess of $3,500 and close to 250 man hours, Greg was able to give back to the Church that has continuously supported Troop 215 for many many years.
Scott Bracker |
Scott F. Bracker, 16, is the son of Laura and Russell Bracker of South Park and the grandson of Mary and Frank Bayer, Bethel Park, and Alma and Harry Bracker also of Bethel Park.
Scott’s Eagle Project was the renovation of a local playground at Windover Hills United Methodist Church in South Park. He wanted to give back to the church because of all they do for scouting and the community of South Park. The renovation included building, installing, and staining of a 150 foot long wooden fence to section off a playground. An old in-ground sandbox had to be removed. In addition, the playground equipment needed repainted. The replacement of a “Fred Flintstone car” included creating a new design and building a new car. Finally, the installation of a border for the car and the swing set were also added. After the renovation of the playground equipment, new mulch was added. Scott completed a beautiful and safe playground for a local church and pre-school.
Preparations for this project made Scott learn how small details prior to the start of any project can make or break the project.