For over a decade, the residents of Royal Gardens Apartments in Brockport shared a dream: to have a gazebo in their courtyard. Now, the scout who transformed that dream into reality has realized a dream of his own. Jeffrey Krahe, who just completed his junior year at Brockport High School, is the 16-year-old son of Michael and Pam Krahe of Brockport. He joined a local Cub Scout troop when he was eight years old and proceeded through the ranks. During those years, he dreamed of becoming an Eagle Scout. "It has a very high significance to me," Krahe said. To achieve the Eagle rank, the highest advancement in scouting, a scout must earn a minimum of 21 merit badges that signify the mastery of particular skills. Additionally, he must plan, develop, and lead others in a service project that benefits a religious institution, a school, or a community. Krahe fulfilled that requirement by constructing a gazebo for the residents of Royal Gardens. To build the 16 foot diameter, 12 sided structure required almost 40 scouts, a half dozen adults, and 826 hours of labor. The average Eagle Scout Leadership Service project entails about 154 hours. "My family has always been there for me through scouting," Krahe said. "They put hours and hours of work into the gazebo, helping me even when no one else was there to help." Krahe's project received approval from the Eagle Scout board of review in February 2006. The gazebo earned the Project of the Month award for February. It is now a contender for the Project of the Year Award. Jean Hornyak, vice president of the Royal Gardens Tenant Association, attended Krahe's Eagle Court of Honor on May 27. "I was impressed at the dignity and depth of commitment," she said. Eagle Scout Anthony Sinopoli led Krahe in the Eagle Scout Oath with the solemnity and authority of the Chief Justice of the United States swearing in the President. The highlight of the 40 minute ceremony occurred when Krahe presented one of three mentor pins to his father. In front of some 50 guests, father and son embraced in a long and silent bear hug. Krahe plans to remain an active member of Troop 111. "I will continue to earn Eagle Palms for merit badges earned over and above the 21 needed for Eagle," he said. "And I will help other guys who are trying to make Eagle." Krahe has not forgotten the residents of Royal Gardens either. His next service project will be to add screens and storm doors to the gazebo. According to Hornyak, "The gazebo is well used and very busy." President Carrol Lewis said, "The Tenant Association is planning several events utilizing the gazebo, including an outdoor concert. We are proud of Jeff and the scouts and adults who worked on it." Krahe is looking at colleges and plans to study engineering. Perhaps some day Krahe's name will appear on the Boy Scout of America web site under the heading, "Famous Eagle Scouts." Famous Eagle Scouts
June 25, 2006 |
