Eagle Scout project proposed for Hempfield elementary school

A Hempfield student is hoping to redo a pavilion at West Point Elementary School as part of an Eagle Scout project.

Justin Finfrock, a 10th grade student who is part of Boy Scout Troop 416 in Greensburg, pitched the project to Hempfield school board members during a meeting this week. The project is aimed at cleaning up the pavilion for future use by students and staff.

“I think it would be a nice place where the school could have an outdoor classroom and do different outdoor learning activities while still staying socially distant in these hard times,” Finfrock said during the meeting. “It could also be utilized for other outdoor activities.”

Initial plans call for replacing shingles and boards, while also re-staining the pavilion. Finfrock, who used to attend West Point Elementary, also plans to pressure wash and paint the outside of a concrete storage room and replace the door with the help of the district maintenance department.

If approved, the project will begin in April or May and will take up to three days to complete. Estimated costs ring in at about $550, which Finfrock said he hopes will be covered by donations from local hardware stores and businesses.

If additional funding is obtained, Finfrock said he would like to install picnic tables; add wireless internet access, cameras and a pull-down projector screen; and build shelves in the concrete room.

“It’s wonderful you’re interested in giving back your community, especially your former elementary school,” Superintendent Tammy Wolicki said.

West Point Principal Audrey Dell approved the project, Finfrock said. He is now waiting on approval from the school board.

“We’re so happy to have our students involved any way they would like to be involved,” board President Tony Bompiani said.