The almost 100 year old cemetery in Edgerly was in desperate need of some attention. Overgrowth of trees, bushes and the like had taken over the area. Headstones and tombs had been desecrated and ATV vehicles had been driven throughout the graveyard. Adding the problems with the soft ground which makes it difficult for mourners and equipment drivers to move vehicles into the cemetery, especially after it has been raining, have led to the current state of sad disrepair that the resting place has fallen.
In response, Vinton Middle School eighth grader and Troop 36 Boy Scout Corey Castillo took the lead on a project of cleaning up the cemetery for his Eagle Scout community project.
"My first idea was to do a project helping veterans, especially those injured in battle, by going into their homes and fixing anything they needed. But I realized the cemetery was in desperate need of repair, so I chose to do this as my community project. However, my initial idea of helping veterans is still something I plan on doing," said the 14 year-old.
Corey recently led a group which included volunteers from his troop, the VFW, American Legion, Knights of Columbus, the 25 Men of Distinction, as well as members from surrounding Boy Scout troops, over two weekends on the cleanup and repair. Also assisting, in money, time, refreshments and manpower, were members of various area churches, including House of Prayer, Morning Star, Rapha Fellowship, St. James Baptist Church, and St. Joseph Catholic Church.
Grass was mowed, trees and overgrowth were cut down, trash was collected, asphalt was laid on the roads, gates were erected, and a general clean up was conducted.
"I would like to thank everyone who helped. It's an honor to have so many people helping to clean up this graveyard," said Corey.
Corey is the son of Richard and Sharon Castillo, and grandson of Howard and Mary Foreman and Amataro and Antonio Castillo. He plays trombone in the school band and was voted in the top 23 of the Young Heroes Award. He hopes to one day become a business owner, in either the food or electronics industry.
After writing up his project and presenting it for final review, Corey should receive his Eagle Scout rank later this spring.
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The almost 100 year old cemetery in Edgerly was in desperate need of some attention. Overgrowth of trees, bushes and the like had taken over the area. Headstones and tombs had been desecrated and ATV vehicles had been driven throughout the graveyard. Adding the problems with the soft ground which makes it difficult for mourners and equipment drivers to move vehicles into the cemetery, especially after it has been raining, have led to the current state of sad disrepair that the resting place has fallen.
In response, Vinton Middle School eighth grader and Troop 36 Boy Scout Corey Castillo took the lead on a project of cleaning up the cemetery for his Eagle Scout community project.
"My first idea was to do a project helping veterans, especially those injured in battle, by going into their homes and fixing anything they needed. But I realized the cemetery was in desperate need of repair, so I chose to do this as my community project. However, my initial idea of helping veterans is still something I plan on doing," said the 14 year-old.
Corey recently led a group which included volunteers from his troop, the VFW, American Legion, Knights of Columbus, the 25 Men of Distinction, as well as members from surrounding Boy Scout troops, over two weekends on the cleanup and repair. Also assisting, in money, time, refreshments and manpower, were members of various area churches, including House of Prayer, Morning Star, Rapha Fellowship, St. James Baptist Church, and St. Joseph Catholic Church.
Grass was mowed, trees and overgrowth were cut down, trash was collected, asphalt was laid on the roads, gates were erected, and a general clean up was conducted.
"I would like to thank everyone who helped. It's an honor to have so many people helping to clean up this graveyard," said Corey.
Corey is the son of Richard and Sharon Castillo, and grandson of Howard and Mary Foreman and Amataro and Antonio Castillo. He plays trombone in the school band and was voted in the top 23 of the Young Heroes Award. He hopes to one day become a business owner, in either the food or electronics industry.
After writing up his project and presenting it for final review, Corey should receive his Eagle Scout rank later this spring.
