South Fayette teen builds veterans memorial

A South Fayette High School freshman has spearheaded a project that will honor and remember the district’s alumni veterans for generations to come.

Jasim Khilji led the construction of the new Alumni Veterans Monument, located outside South Fayette High School.

The five-sided brick monument honors district alumni who have served, or are currently serving, in the U.S. Armed Forces. A 24-pound stone eagle on a Liberty Bell rests atop the structure. Each side of the monument bears one of the five military branch emblems.

The project was Jasim’s Eagle Scout service project. He is a member of Oakdale Troop 248.

“I wanted to create something lasting for the South Fayette community that shows our gratitude to alumni veterans,” Jasim said. “This monument will stand as a reminder of their courage and service.”

Jasim was responsible for developing the design, presenting proposals, writing letters, fundraising and coordinating with professionals, according to the South Fayette Township School District.

He worked on the monument alongside his family, fellow Scouts and community volunteers. Jasim’s grandfather, Khalid Khilji, was his Scout coach and mentor on the project. South Fayette facilities director Steve Timmins and Chuck Herring, director of student and community engagement, worked with Jasim to determine the monument’s location on campus.

“Jasim’s dedication, leadership and determination embody the best of South Fayette,” said Superintendent Michelle Miller. “This monument is a powerful tribute to our alumni and a reminder of the values we hold dear.”

Many area community members and businesses contributed to the project, including Miller’s Ace Hardware and the Bridgeville Home Depot donating materials; services and labor from the Pullman Company; and engineering and design expertise from GAI Consultants, the Department of Defense and GeoMechanics, Inc.

Military emblems were contributed by Jasim’s Scout Master, Tom Taylor. Gaydos Monument Co. is to donate a custom-engraved granite bench.

Jasim’s parents, Zirgham Khilji and Nazish Habib, provided the stone eagle centerpiece.

Habib is a science teacher at the high school. Her sister and brother are Army veterans, and her sister currently works for the Department of Defense.

“I am flabbergasted by the incredible kindness and generosity of our community,” Habib said. “All of these people were role models and examples of pure love and kindness for my son. I think of this whenever I see the monument along with Jasim’s perseverance and heart, and most of all, the sacrifice of our veterans. I may need to come to campus early every morning to sit on the bench and pray for everyone.”