Immaculate Commends its Ridgefield Eagle Scouts

Ridgefield CT

13 August, 2021

7:29 PM

Description

RIDGEFIELD, CT—In a school year where the pandemic has challenged so many, including two Ridgefield teens, Patrik Backus '22 and Ethan Beaulac '22, five Immaculate High School students were determined to contribute their talents and make a difference while earning the rank of Eagle Scout. Along with Backus and Beaulac, three other Immacuale students, William Doran '22, Nate Varda '22, and Jake Windas '22 were successful in achieving their goals with the talents and financial support of others. Patrik Backus worked with professionals from Hollandia Nursery and the school's Chaplain, Deacon Font, to design a prayer garden adjacent to the school Chapel. His project included providing the materials and labor to install a beautiful perennial garden with two inscribed benches, a statue of the Holy Family, and peaceful landscaping for students and guests to sit, reflect and pray. Ethan Beaulac dedicated his time and talent to support the Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance of which he has been a member since his youth. "I wanted to give back to this amazing community which means a lot to me, helped foster my creativity and I have been fortunate to be a part of for many years." Ethan built free-standing benches, complete with cubby storage units for the nonprofit dance studio. The mobile benches became essential for students who were not permitted to utilize the dressing areas due to CDC recommendations. As a member of Boy Scout Troop 52 in Danbury, William Doran '22 wanted to give back to a place that was so supportive of his father who suffered from a terminal illness. His Eagle Scout service project benefits Regional Hospice and Home Care of Western CT. Will reconditioned the outdoor teak furniture in the Hospice Memorial Garden that had become weathered from years of exposure. Reconditioning the garden furniture will provide a comforting experience for families during the difficult process of grief as well as honor and remember family members who resided at Hospice. A member of Troop 52, Jake Windas '22 completed his project with the support of the Eagle Scout the International Women's Pilot Organization - the Ninety-Nines. Interested in aviation and the armed services, Jake designed and painted a traditional compass rose air marker at the Danbury Airport. Historically, pilots used these compasses on the ground to calibrate the devices in their aircraft. Windas faced many obstacles with initial planning but was successful with being granted airport and city council approvals and securing donations and much coordination. The compass rose is 60 feet in diameter and 30 feet in radius, with 12 points every 30 degrees, and includes the four cardinal points — north, east, south, and west. About Immaculate High SchoolImmaculate High School is a private, non-profit Catholic college-preparatory institution serving students from 28 communities in Connecticut and New York. Founded in 1962, Immaculate High School also allows students to focus on academic excellence, spiritual development, service to others, and personal goals. Located in Danbury, CT, Immaculate High School is part of the Diocese of Bridgeport's school system.