Arlington Hts. preschool benefits from Eagle project
A local Arlington Heights Boy Scout is using his Eagle Scout project to give back to the preschool he attended 13 years ago. Philip Geraghty, a Life Scout in Troop 132, is building six sensory tables and a new changing table for the First United Methodist Church of Arlington Heights We-e Care Preschool.
In addition to being an alumni of the preschool, Geraghty is also a member of the church, located at 1903 E. Euclid Ave., in Arlington Heights. The First United Methodist Church is the charter organization for Troop 132.
Geraghty started his project last October. After months of planning and paperwork he was able to start fundraising. He held a pasta dinner at the church and through the generous support of the church, his family, the preschool families and his many friends, was able to raise the money to begin the project. Geraghty also received support from Hellar Lumber, Owl Lumber and Rockler Woodworkers.
Geraghty organized three work dates at his home in order to tear down the old tables and recycle what he could. New wood was cut, stained and polyurethaned. He assembled the tables on July 14 at the church. His total volunteer hours numbered well over 200.
Geraghty received assistance from friends, family, Scouts, adult Scout leaders and his grandfather, Philip Swanson of Arlington Heights. Swanson helped Geraghty in the designing of the tables and cutting of the larger sections of wood. Scouts are not allowed to use power tools so this was a big help. Working side-by-side with his grandfather was a great learning experience for Geraghty and the other scouts.
From start to finish an Eagle Project can take almost a year to complete. Planning, committee approvals, designs, fundraising, work dates and lots of paper work. Everything must be documented and then presented in a binder for careful examination and approval by the local council, troop committees and National Boy Scouts of America. Once approved by all, Troop 132 will lead a final Board of Review to confirm the rank of Eagle. This all must happen before a scout turns 18 years of age.
Geraghty will be entering his junior year at Prospect High School in the fall. He is on the drum line with the Prospect Marching Knights, is an active Scout, a member of the Order of the Arrow and assists in training with National Youth Leadership Training every summer.
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