Sewickley Troop 243 Scout completes Eagle Scout project

Eddie Ondek, Sewickley resident and junior at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart High School, is no stranger to volunteerism. He’s worked as a volunteer firefighter with the Cochran Hose Company and has helped with students at the Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children.

His latest use of time and talent will also help in his advancement to the Eagle Scout rank with Troop 243.

This fall, with the assistance of Tree Pittsburgh and about 15 volunteers, Eddie and his team planted nearly 30 trees at The Legacy Fields in Bell Acres.

Managed by Quaker Valley Recreation Association, the park currently houses a baseball field and a softball field. Both are utilized by Quaker Valley High School and Quaker Valley Recreation Association. The Association’s plans include more sports fields and other facilities for the entire community. The next project will be a first-class soccer facility.

As someone who has worked with children in the past, Eddie was keen to work on a project that would impact children and their families in some way.

“I wanted to do something that would allow the visitors to see these beautiful trees as they grow while they are at their children’s sporting activities,” Eddie said.

The goal of the Eagle Scout Project is to not only do something good for the community but also have a Scout demonstrate the leadership qualities needed as an adult. In Eddie’s case, there was much to manage between various groups and organizations.

“Eddie and the other scouts who worked with him did a wonderful job. Their efforts will not only beautify the park but will also help the environment by reducing water run-off from the facility,” said Jeffrey Lipton, QVRA president. “QVRA greatly appreciates what Eddie and his team have done for this community resource.”

Eddie plans to eventually have a career in healthcare, potentially nursing, where he can continue to help others.

A Quaker Valley student from kindergarten through 10th grade, Eddie is the son of Edward and Heidi Ondek. He also has four older sisters.