Garrettsville – There’s a new open-air pavilion on the James A. Garfield school campus, thanks to the efforts of JAG senior Kris Carson. In looking for an Eagle Scout project, he wanted to give back to the school, “because it’s given so much to me,” he shared. Originally, he toyed with the idea of creating an outdoor amphitheater for teachers and students to enjoy. But when he spoke to James A. Garfield Schools Superintendent Ted Lysiak, they settled upon a project Kris noted was “more attainable”.
The project began as idea the then-sixteen-year-old had in 2020. As Kris had never done anything like this, it seemed like a daunting project. Luckily, while he had no construction knowledge, his grandfather was able to guide him through the process. Kris’ initial step was to present the project idea to the BSA’s Board of Review, complete with drawings, measurements, estimated costs. Kris received BSA approval to proceed in January 2021, and once the lists and estimates were compiled, fundraising for the project began in earnest.
Kris then shared his plans with local Garrettsville businesses, and was bolstered by the generous support he received. Financial donors included Sky Lanes, Timmons Tax & Accounting, Middlefield Bank, and the Garrettsville-Hiram Rotary Club. In addition, contacts at the Rotary connected Kris with the manager at Carter Lumber in Middlefield, who provided a discount on materials for the project. Stamm Construction in Mantua provided discounted materials as well, and Colman Concrete in Deerfield donated the gravel base and installation labor. Pally Roofing in Garrettsville donated metal roofing and supplies for the new pavilion, helping the structure blend in seamlessly with the sheds and other structures nearby.
Construction went quickly, with Kris and his team breaking ground on the structure behind the Elementary School in August 2022. It was completed and ready for use in October. This spring, the structure has already been used for a variety of classes and activities, including a tree planting held by the high school’s Environmental Club for the district’s kindergarteners. “It’s just awesome to see the pavilion getting used!” Kris beamed.
Phoebe, Kris’ mother, noted, “One of the hardest parts for Kris was not actually doing the project, but coordinating, communicating, and delegating to his team in order to complete it.” She continued, “To help the team stay organized and safe. To stay on top of the planning and timing of it all.”
Both Phoebe and Kris, Sr. agreed that their son’s scout leaders prepared him well. “They pushed him,” Phoebe noted, “helping him to make the project a realistic and attainable one.”
“Mr. Gordon, the Scout treasurer, gave me the hardest time,” Kris noted. “But he showed up to every single workday and supported Kris’ efforts to succeed,” Phoebe noted.
Kris noted something that many adults have experienced – navigating through the zoning and permitting processes could be “a pain.” He expressed gratitude for Mr. Beatty, the Village Zoning Inspector who helped him navigate the permitting process. Beatty waived the fees associated with the Board of Appeals process.
Kris, Sr. noted that his son began his scouting journey in the fifth grade. He stayed with it due, in part, to the friendships he formed there. “There’s lots of value in it, too,” his son added. “Things like personal discipline.” Kris, Jr., continued, “I think the Scout Law (“A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.”) shows the best way to become a good person.” He acknowledged that there can be a stigma to staying involved as scouts advance to middle and high school. “I loved my time as a scout,” Kris noted. He encouraged others to take advantage of all that scouting has to offer.
Phoebe agreed, “We were lucky to have a really good troop.” Her husband, Kris, Sr. joined every campout; both parents served the troop as registered adults for a time. Though not an avid camper, Phoebe is involved in many activities and has served on many committees. In interacting with outside leadership, both Phoebe and Kris, Sr. were impressed by the praise their son’s troop received for their activities and accomplishments.
Kris shared a few of the valuable skills he gained through merit badges on his journey to becoming an Eagle Scout. “Things like first aid knowledge – that sticks with you. And the nature ones have been fun. Forestry, environmental science, plant identification…these lessons helped Kris select his course of study, Applied Plant Biology, that he’ll pursue after high school graduation this year.
“Kris has enjoyed the journey and made such good friends through scouting,” his mother shared. “And we’ve loved getting to be a part of it. I wish it was mandatory,” she added, “He’s gotten so much out of it.”
“It’s been rewarding,” Kris, Sr. explained, “watching this group of kids grow into a group of impressive young men.”
