J.D. Black, a member of Groveport Boy Troop 71 and a junior at Canal Winchester High School, completed an Eagle Scout project benefitting the Canal Winchester High School Performing Arts Department over the summer.
Black worked over several months to complete the project that involved painting and carpet
repair in the choir rehearsal room of the Canal Winchester Education Center, 100 Washington St. The room is located behind the Oley Speaks Auditorium and is used by the Performing Arts Department as well as community groups that rent the auditorium.
Black, who has been performing in plays, musicals, and choral performances with the department since seventh grade, wanted to do something to benefit the school.
“This room was formerly the high school choir room, and has not been renovated since 1998,” said Black. “Anyone doing a show at Canal Winchester High School spends a large amount of time in this room, either working on music, waiting for rehearsal to start, or just hanging out between scenes.”
But the paint was peeling and the carpet had been completely worn away in some places, or was peeling off in others. Black described it as “just not conducive to creating art”, and “quite frankly, depressing to be in for an extended amount of time.”
After spending many hours in this room, Black decided that renovating the room should be his project to complete his requirements to become an Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America. He wanted to do something that would benefit the drama department, but also other organizations that use the space.
The project was bigger than Black originally estimated, ultimately requiring nearly $3,000 in costs and taking nearly 160 work hours to complete.
“Thanks to the generosity of local groups, friends and family, the help of a group of committed volunteers and our carpet vendor, Stedman Floors, we were able to complete the project and still have enough to make a substantial donation to the PA department when we were finished,” said Black.
The donation of $1,000 to the department will be used by drama director and auditorium manger, Abbey Phillips to purchase one of six new wireless microphones that must be replaced in the next month.
“I especially want to thank my parents and Roger McLoney, the facilities director for the Canal Winchester Schools, for his help and support. We could not have done it without him.”
