It’s a big undertaking, but Michael Devan is up for the challenge.
The 17-year-old Richland High School senior is working toward his Eagle Scout Award. For his project, Devan decided to revitalize an area at AYSO Soccer Field in Richland that had become overrun with weeds and debris.
“I wanted to make a difference in the community and saw a wonderful opportunity here,” Devan said. “I’ve played soccer at this field, so I wanted to do something.”
Devan, who is a member of Boy Scout Troop 100 at Mount Calvary Church, said he approached the AYSO board and presented his idea.
“They liked it and told me go ahead with my plan,” he said. “I sent out
100 letters to local businesses asking for donations to help with the cost.”
In early June, Devan and a handful of volunteers began the chore of first tearing out an old snow fence that was located between the upper and lower fields.
“There was seven feet of brush wrapped in the fence,” he said.
From there, he began mulching and planting trees. He also put in a chain-link fence that runs along Schoolhouse Road.
So far he’s raised $1,000, but Devan estimates the project will cost between $6,000 and $7,000.
“If I have enough money, I’d like to plant a flower garden,” he said.
He hopes to have the project completed by the end of the month and hold a dedication ceremony.
“Any business or person who donates $200 will have their name put on a sign that will go on the fence,” Devan said.
He added that in the past month he and volunteers have been working at the site almost daily.
“We have about 600 hours put in total with all the volunteer help,” Devan said.
About 500 children utilize the soccer fields every year, and Devan hopes that his project will leave a lasting impression.
“Maybe it’ll attract more kids to come here, and this project will add to its appeal,” he said.
Devan has been active in scouting for seven years, and once he turns 18, he’ll become an adult leader.
“I think I’m setting an example for the younger kids, so I plan to stay active,” he said.
• Anyone who would like to donate funds or volunteer their time on the project can contact Michael Devan at 266-4212.
Local News
Related Photos
-
Michael Devan stands at the Richland Township AYSO fields near the MetLife building. Todd Berkey
Discussion
Eagle Scout’s project benefits kids
- Local News
-
-
Proposed bill would expand use of traffic-light cameras
Some call it the hand of “big brother,” others are convinced cameras at signal lights would be effective in curbing red-light runners and ultimately saving lives.
-
Minister's trial date set
An issue has been resolved over the report from an examination of a girl allegedly taken by her mother to a Bedford motel to have sex with a traveling minister, clearing the way for a trial.
-
AP: Almost half of new veterans seek disability
America’s newest veterans are filing for disability benefits at a historic rate, claiming to be the most medically and mentally troubled generation of former troops the nation has ever seen.
-
Geistown beginning crime watch program
Residents will patrol Geistown streets in the coming weeks as part of a community watch program.
-
Persons of the Week: Nanty Glo vets will remember fallen comrades
Michael Kurtz, Tom Kasecky and Steve Kasecky will be among members of the Loy A. Douglass Post 3489 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Nanty Glo who will be honoring fallen veterans today, Memorial Day.
-
AG candidates face potential conflicts of interest
Both candidates for Pennsylvania attorney general have family ties that could pose a conflict of interest for the one who is elected as the state’s next chief legal officer.
-
Lawmakers: Capitol rallies unpersuasive
Nancy Richey stepped to the podium with a microphone at the Capitol rotunda with the hope that the right people would hear her message.
-
Richland closer to new chief
The search for Richland’s next police chief is winding down.
-
In brief: Thunderstorm downs trees, knocks out power
A late Sunday afternoon thunderstorm brought high winds, hard rain and hail to the Cambria-Somerset region.
- District Deaths May 28, 2012
- More Local News Headlines
-
Beryl Makes Landfall on Florida Coast
Service Dogs Help Wash. Soldiers Battling PTSD
Raw Video: Heckler Bursts in on Blair Testimony
Japan Farmers Plant, Seek Radiation-free Rice
UN Blames Syrian Forces for Shelling Houla
Raw Video: Gay Protest Blocked in Moscow
Vatican in Chaos After Butler Arrested for Leaks
Jimmy Carter Endorses Egypt's Election Results
Biden Addresses West Point Graduating Class
Dozens of Children Killed in New Syria Attack
Raw Video: Activists Allege Massacre in Syria
NJ Man Charged With Murder in Death of Patz
Support, Fun for Kids of Fallen Soldiers at Camp
Fugitive Penguin Caught, Returned to Aquarium
50 Years Later, Underground Fire Still Burning
Light Show Transforms Sydney Opera House
Raw Video: Unruly Passenger Restrained in Miami
Raw Video: Robber Uses Drive-thru Window
Raw Video: Dragon Arrives at Space Station
Calif.'s Coronado Named Nation's Best Beach
