Boy Scout Frankie Cavallaro revitalized the outdoor classroom at Race Brook Elementary School in Orange. Photo courtesy of Cavallaro.
The aging and overgrown outdoor classroom at Race Brook Elementary School in Orange included decaying tree stump seats and dilapidated picnic benches. It was in dire need of renovation. Frankie Cavallaro, a Boy Scout with Troop 12 in Milford and an RBS alumnus, saw an opportunity to serve his community while working toward achieving his Eagle Scout rank.
“The outdoor classroom was in pretty bad shape, and it occurred to me that this was the perfect time to transform it into a more inviting and usable space to which staff and students might escape for some fresh air and social distancing during the school day,” Cavallaro said.
Cavallaro solicited area businesses for material donations and set to work in his home garage constructing new bench seating, decorating it with school colors. He enlisted 10 other scouts from his troop to spend a Saturday cleaning out the area, weeding, edging, spreading new pea stone, assembling and painting picnic tables.
Mike Gray, director of Business and Operations for Orange Public Schools, said of Cavallaro, “His efforts have led to an inviting open-air space that will certainly be utilized by students and staff at Race Brook School. Frankie is a fine example of youth putting their leadership skills into action and giving back.”
Cavallaro thanked his fellow troop members. “I couldn’t have done it without them,” he said.
The volunteers from Boy Scout Troop 12. Photo courtesy of Frankie Cavallaro.