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Community service pays off

Eagle Scout builds sitting area between church, school for project

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  • Tara Bozick •
  • Originally published January 23, 2009 at 11:51 p.m., updated January 23, 2009 at 11:51 p.m.

Patty Zapalac watches the children rest from playing, adults chat and parishioners relax in an arbor that wouldn't exist if not for the efforts of one Eagle Scout.

As a lifetime member of Trinity Episcopal Church and assistant principal of the Trinity Episcopal School, Zapalac was glad to see a beautiful sitting area replace the neglected landscaping where a small garden and bench once stood.

She watched Michael Rogers grow up in the church and school and was touched he wanted to give back to a place dear to his heart.

Michael, now 18, constructed a sidewalk, arbor, bench and water fountain between the church and school as part of his Eagle Scout project.

"I think Michael has a servant's heart," Zapalac said. "Maybe it'll help motivate other people to get out and help."

Michael and 13 other Eagle Scouts were honored Friday night at the Boy Scouts' DeLeon District annual awards banquet at Trinity Lutheran Church.

The teenagers contributed more than 1,900 work hours to help with various projects in the Crossroads area. The projects also enabled them to rise to the rank of Eagle Scout.

"I think they're super. They're the cream of the crop," Dave Kouba, district advancement chairman, said. "I'm very proud to be a part of an organization that does that kind of service the community."

The most Eagle Scouts ever recognized in one year was 26 in 2006, he said. Fourteen is about average.

Michael hired the help of up to 18 workers from his Boy Scout Troop 368 and group of friends. He has always been committed to serving the community through his church youth group. He started as a Cub Scout in first grade.

"I feel a certain sense of satisfaction to know that my efforts have been appreciated by others, and I have created something substantial for my community," Michael said via e-mail.

He attends Texas A&M University, where he majors in industrial engineering.

Scouting instilled basic values that will be applicable for his life, including the leadership skills to excel at college and in his future career, he said.

Michael thanks the volunteer scoutmasters and mentors, including Mike Clark, who aided his growth.

"It really takes a lot of commitment to get that far in scouting," Richard Rogers, Michael's father a gastroenterologist, said. "I think he's really moved into a leadership role and I think he has matured as his progress in scouting matured."

  • EAGLE SCOUT FACTS

    Only 5 percent of all Boy Scouts attain Eagle Scout ranking. More than 1.7 million boys earned the rank since 1912.

    Boy Scouts advance through ranks: Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life and Eagle.

    Of ...

  • SHOW ALL »

    • EAGLE SCOUT FACTS

    Only 5 percent of all Boy Scouts attain Eagle Scout ranking. More than 1.7 million boys earned the rank since 1912.

    Boy Scouts advance through ranks: Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life and Eagle.

    Of the 120 merit badges available, 21 must be earned to qualify for Eagle Scout.

    Source: Boy Scouts of America National CouncilFOURTEEN EAGLE SCOUTS RECOGNIZED

    Nathan Zuck: replaced glass panes at St. John de Bosco Catholic Church in Vanderbilt

    Zac Wedig: restored Clark Cemetery in Calhoun County, resolved ownership dispute

    Travis McGarrah: Constructed deck, ramp and steps at First Baptist Church in Inez

    Drew Mueller: Landscaped back patio of Smith Elementary School

    Alexander Mansker: Placed 200 reflective signs on homes for more efficient emergency response

    Adam Groenhuyzen: Replaced sidewalk leading to historic McNamara House, where the public could offset cost by buying personalized bricks

    Chad Pesek: Repaired and painted ramp, created 26 wooden letters for riding area, constructed mounting blocks, shelving and saddle racks for the Victoria Riding Therapy Center

    Michael Rogers: Built arbor, replete with new sidewalk, bench and water fountain at Trinity Episcopal Church and School

    Michael Sudheimer: Built live Christmas nativity scene for Our Lady of Victory's Youth Group

    Austin S. Bourland: Built three storage cabinets for Telferner Volunteer Fire Department

    Steven Rodgers: Installed five cast iron and wood benches around Goliad County Courthouse

    Ezekiel Elrod: Refurbished privacy fence, replaced flooring, installed window screen and mouse-proofed feed room at Victoria Riding Therapy Center

    Zachary Fiew: Built storage building for a Habitat for Humanity family

    James Bonorden: Expanded seating capacity and deck at Our Lady of Victory

    Total work hours: 1,924

    Total material cost: $9,037.05

    Total labor cost ($6.55 per hour): $21,639.25

    LEADER OF THE PACK

    Alfred Garza received the District Award of Merit Friday night.

    Garza started his service as assistant cub master for his son's pack. He served as cub master for a struggling pack, then as cub master for his son's pack. He still holds that position and became assistant scoutmaster and cub roundtable commissioner. He received a Cub Scouter Award and the Extra Miler Award in 2004.



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