Spring will reveal Eagle Scout's contributions
Brian Schlick, a senior at Wheaton North High School, was inducted into Boy Scout's highest rank of Eagle Scout March 2 in a ceremony at Gary United Methodist Church in Wheaton. Only about five percent of Boy Scouts attain this rank.
To earn this honor, Schlick fulfilled requirements in the areas of leadership, service and outdoor skills during his seven years as a member of Troop 35. He served as patrol leader and troop guide. Having reached the age of 18, he now serves as an adult volunteer for his troop.
The final achievement to attain this high rank is to personally plan and complete an approved community service project. Schlick chose to landscape and paint the Western DuPage Special Recreation Association office in Carol Stream. He recruited and coordinated the efforts of 25 volunteers.
When the spring thaw finally comes, the results of his Eagle Scout project will once again become apparent to the clients of WDSRA. Schlick and his coworkers weeded, planted and transplanted bushes, black-eyed Susans and sedums to beautify the building. In addition, they painted the bottom of the building where the surrounding dirt had receded revealing, the Styrofoam insulation.
The entire project took 130 man-hours with Schlick doing a lot of preliminary solicitation of donations.
Home Depot gave him a $50 gift card that he used for peat moss, soil and paint brushes. Prosek's Nursery in Winfield provided all the perennials. The Carol Stream Park District delivered wood chips, while Benjamin Moore Paint Store donated paint. Even Domino's Pizza donated pizzas for the workers.
Curtis Lease, director of WDSRA, said, "Brian's work is very much appreciated. Anytime anyone tries to give back to our organization, it shows that our work is appreciated. Our building is definitely nicer to look at now."
A highlight of Schlick's Scouting career was a high adventure backpacking trek at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico.
"I was able to use a lot of the outdoor skills I learned in Scouting," he said. "I had a great time and saw magnificent scenery."
Schlick is a high honor roll student, an all-conference cross-country runner and a member of the track team. He is active in the Spanish and math honor societies and is on the school math team.
He lives in Wheaton with his parents, Fred and Mary Schlick, and his brother Conor, also an Eagle Scout.
Boy Scout Troop 35 has been sponsored by Gary United Methodist Church for the past 85 years and has produced more than 120 Eagle Scouts. For details, visit the troop's Web site at www.wheatontroop35.org.