Members of Girl Scout Troop #331 from James H. Boyd Intermediate School worked throughout the past school year to raise money for two new benches for the school’s playground. As part of earning their bronze awards, the troop was required to engage in a community service project that was sustainable. As a group, the Girl Scouts decided that the Boyd playground was in need of two permanent benches.

“During recess, it’s chaotic on the playground,” said fifth-grade Girl Scout Caitriona Meehan. “There was no place to sit and read a book, so we thought it would be important to provide that for our school.”

With that vision, the girls held a variety of fundraisers throughout the year to raise enough money to purchase the benches. In mid-June, their vision became a reality. Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Gary Furman and Interim Principal Lynn Burke joined the troop for a ribbon cutting ceremony to unveil the new benches.

“It makes me feel so good about myself because we are helping the community,” Caitriona added.

Thank you troop leaders Maureen Meehan and Geeta Surujbali, as well as the following Girl Scouts for their dedication and contribution: Julia Aguiar- Mady, Kyla Cusick, Emily Ferguson, Caitriona Meehan, Molly Miller, Claire Murphy, Giavanna Nicolik, Emma O’Hara, Allison Rickus, Ally Schelin, Chloe Schelin, and Arianna Surujbali. Special thanks also goes to Bridge Surujbali of Bridge Ornamental Ironworks for donating his time and material for the installation of the benches, Mozzarella’s Pizza for their assistance and donation to the fundraiser, and Christine Cusick, Thirty-One Consultant, who generously contributed toward the award through Thirty-One fundraising.