Eagle project updates preschool facility

WEST MILFORD — Timothy P. Schutte's Eagle Scout project was the renovation of the storage closet and the addition of extra storage options for the preschool program at the West Milford Township High School. The existing storage was a closet that measured 46" wide by 52 "deep by 114" high. Inside were two inexpensive metal shelving units that had collapsed under the weight of the supplies.
Timothy, with the volunteer help of friends, teachers, and family, set out to renovate the space and build sturdy and safe storage options for the classroom and closet. After he had drawn up a plan, Timothy received approval from Principal Paul Gorski, the West Milford Township Board of Education, the Troop 114 Committee and the Boy Scouts of America.
Timothy and his volunteers then built four different storage units. Two shelving units were built to replace the existing units in the closet. Each had seven shelves, three fixed and four adjustable, made from half-inch plywood and framed with one inch by four-inch wood for strength.
Timothy and his crew then built a shelving unit to add storage to the back of the closet door. This unit measured 30" wide by 56" tall by 6" deep, and was constructed from 1" by 6" boards for the sides and shelves, with one inch by four inch boards on the front of the shelves to hold the supplies firmly in place.
The final piece built was a standalone unit placed outside the closet and used for storage of paper and supplies. This unit measured 48" wide by 70" tall by 8" deep. It was constructed from half-inch plywood and 1" by 4" boards. During construction, all boards and surfaces were sanded and all of the edges and corners were rounded with a router. The crew assembled the shelving units with screws and glue for strength and painted them with four coats of latex paint.
Once off-site construction was complete, Timothy and his crew emptied, cleaned and painted the existing closet with paint supplied by the high school. Two new shelving units were installed in the closet and the door unit was attached to the back of the door. The free-standing unit was placed in the classroom. The units were restocked with the existing supplies. Eleven plastic storage totes with lids were also purchased to replace the cardboard boxes previously used to store supplies.
Timothy thanks his friends and family who volunteered, his teacher Samantha Schwartz, West Milford High School Principal Paul Gorski, high school Custodian Mr. Touw, the board of education and Troop 114.
Being an Eagle ScoutAttaining the rank of Eagle Scout carries great prestige, not only in scouting, but also as the Scout enters higher education, business or industry, and community service. Only about 2.5 percent of all Boy Scouts earn the rank. Yet the goals of scouting – citizenship training, character development, and personal fitness — remain important to all Scouts.
Donations still acceptedIf anyone would like to donate towards Timothy Schutte’s Eagle Scout Project, send donations to: Timothy P. Schutte (Eagle Scout Project) 8 Capstan Road West Milford, NJ 07480.
Any additional funds collected will be donated to the West Milford Animal Shelter.