Sitting proudly between the baseball field and the track/football field at Sachem High School East is a newly constructed trail information kiosk thanks to senior Dan Christiansen, who built it as part of his quest to achieve his Eagle Scout rank.
Originally an idea of Sachem East coach Pete McNeill that goes back a few years, Christiansen wasn’t able to dive fully into the project until he completed his Life rank in the Boy Scouts. McNeill knew Dan and the Christiansen family since Dan’s sister Brittany, now a junior at Slippery Rock University, is one of the most talented and skilled throwers in the school’s recent history.
“I approached Mr. McNeill about the project again and he still had it in his plans,” Christiansen said. “After many ideas being thrown around and a troop switch, the project was under way.”
This kiosk contains posts about the trails at Sachem East and upcoming events for the Sachem East Cross Country and Track & Field programs.
As part of this project, Christiansen put together a brick pathway at the base of the kiosk, which includes personalized bricks purchased by individuals or families.
A number of individuals, companies and organizations played a role in the final completion of the project, including GTS Lumber in Holbrook, Subway of Farmingville, among others.
Christiansen and his family also put a brass plate on the kiosk that dedicates it, “In memory of Jordan Buckingham,” a cousin of Christiansen’s mom from Texas who was also an Eagle Scout and died at a young age.
Despite the large undertaking of raising funds, implementing a buy-a-brick program, gathering supplies and building something on school property, Christiansen, who has a rigorous schedule with five Advanced Placement courses this year, admits he walked away growing many leadership and team organization skills.
“My family were my main supporters in that they were always pushing me towards completion and getting Eagle,” he said. “Gaining the rank of Eagle Scout is a vision I have had since I was at my first Eagle Court for a friend. Upon completing the rank, it will be a badge on my chest forever showing the dedication and skills I have and can bring to any aspect of my life, whether it be a career, hobby, or social.”
Interested in buying a brick? Check it out!
-Words by Chris R. Vaccaro