Matthew Stenderowicz, of Fredon, received his Eagle Scout award on Jan. 4 during a ceremony in McKenna Hall at Our Lady of the Lake (OLL) Church in Sparta.
Stenderowicz refurbished part of OLL’s grounds for his Eagle Scout project. The project included cleaning, sanding, and staining three benches, leveling two patios, and adding a third patio underneath the benches. The project improved the environment for members of the community, parish, and Rev. George A. Brown Memorial School to gather and socialize.
He was required to raise funds from the community, friends, and family and supervise his project. This required considerable prep work. The project was more difficult than anticipated. After finishing his project, Stenderowicz decided to mulch around the entire church, which wasn’t in the scope of his original project. He logged in 158 hours of labor.
Among those who attended Stenderowicz’s Eagle ceremony were representatives for Rep. Thomas Kean Jr., the Sparta Veterans of Foreign Wars 7428, Fredon Mayor Glenn Deitz, and Sparta Mayor Neill Clark. Father Richard Carton, OLL’s pastor, was the ceremony’s officiant. Stenderowicz was given certificates from Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney and Sen. Parker Space for his achievement.