Eagle Scout Builds New Benches at Sylvan Avenue Elementary School

When Harrison Baron, a recent graduate of Bayport-Blue Point High School, had to decide what his Eagle Scout Project would be, the idea of building benches for the Sylvan Avenue Elementary School grounds sprung to mind.

Baron, who is in Boy Scout Troop 329, played lacrosse on the fields just a few years ago, and recalls that during those lacrosse games no one was able to sit down unless they brought a chair with them.

"I remember parents having to haul chairs to the fields, along with the many other things they needed," he said, "After telling my dad about the idea to build and install benches as my Eagle Scout Project, we sat down and developed the concept."

The 17-year-0ld Bayport resident said he wanted to give parents and kids a chance to sit and take in the scenery of the playground and athletic fields of the school.

A boy scout since he was just 5-years-old, Baron said he "always strived to do the best he could in all aspects of his life," and this project is no exception.

The six benches, which were installed at the school in early July, were handcrafted by Baron and his father, along with help from of his peers. The benches were installed by a team of six young men, consisting mostly of Baron's fellow boy scouts and former classmates: Matt Devine, Al Faiella, Alex Hoff, Connor Villar and Chris Shahid.

Sylvan Avenue Elementary School Principal, Alane Dugan, said that the benches are a great place for parents to relax while watching their children on the playground, and the children will also be able to sit and chat on them too.  

"Harrison did a fabulous job on the benches.  They really beautify the playground and are attractive," she said, "He did all the work on his own, meeting with me to make sure the benches were safe for the children."

Colleen Dunton, a mother of two children who will be attending Sylvan in September, echoed the principal's sentiments.

"The benches are going to make playing after school easier for parents because we will have a place to sit with a great view of the kids on the playground," she said.