Page 6 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • January 18, 2012 Allendale Scout constructs outdoor classroom by John Koster Eagle Scout candidate Will Zoeller of Allendale Boy Scout Troop 59 recently supervised the construction of an outdoor classroom at Spring Valley High School in nearby Spring Valley, New York. Zoeller’s Eagle Project was designed to relieve overcrowding at the school and to accommodate Haitian earthquake refugees who have recently moved into the district. “The student has already built the outdoor classroom in our library courtyard,” Spring Valley High School Principal Karen Pinel said last week, acknowledging that the work is nearly done, save for a few finishing touches. Above: Allendale Eagle Scout candidate Will Zoeller, center, poses with fellow Boy Scouts after finishing his Eagle service project at Spring Valley High School. From left are Allendale Scouts Nick Summa, Tommy Hart, Zoeller, Matt Guarnaccia, and Braydon Hascup. Below: Scouts assemble benches as part of Will Zoeller’s Eagle Scout service project. Pinel praised the project, which includes 10 benches that seat about 30 students, a teacher’s podium, and a platform, all of which were installed in one of the high school’s unused courtyards. “Besides serving as an outdoor classroom, the project can be used as an amphitheater and a meeting place for school clubs and other extracurricular activities,” Zoeller explained. The project had been formally approved by the Spring Valley district superintendent and board of education before Zoeller and his friends started the work in September. Troop 59 volunteers wrapped up the majority of the work before the end of 2011, but money is still needed. “I am currently trying to secure funding for the project,” Zoeller said. “This high school faces budget concerns while serving a diverse student population, including the town’s significant immigrant population.” Zoeller and his crew were so anxious to get the project completed that they and their families paid out of pocket for the lumber and other components so they could finish before winter. The Boy Scouts now hope to recoup at least some of the outlay, and share the credit, with anyone who can donate. Checks can be made out to Will Zoeller and mailed to him at 75 New Street, Allendale, New Jersey, 07401.