Russell Cusano displays one of two Kwanzan cherry trees he recently planted at the CRHS Performing Arts Center entrance as part of his Eagle Scout Service Project. (Submitted Photo)
Cumberland Regional High School senior Russell Cusano has enhanced the landscaping at CRHS as a way to improve the community on his way to the esteemed rank of Eagle Scout.
Cusano, of Upper Deerfield Township, recently completed a project at the CRHS Performing Arts Center entrance that transformed the grounds with sod, trees, and shrubs. He worked with school district officials and area farmers to coordinate plan design, donations, and execution of the service project after advancing through the Scouts program since kindergarten.
“It’s always been a big part of my life,” Cusano said. “I’ve learned a lot with the Scouts, especially when it comes to things like life skills, morals, and values.”
When considering ideas for his Eagle Scout Service Project, an opportunity for a Boy Scout to demonstrate leadership while making a positive impact on his community in order to achieve Eagle Scout rank, Cusano noticed that the landscaping at the entrance of the Performing Arts Center (PAC) could use improvement.
“I asked around for feedback and realized that since this is one of the main areas that everyone sees at the school, it really should look nice,” said Cusano.
Ackley’s Deerview Nursery stepped up to donate boxwood shrubs to delineate the entryway, and Johnson Farms generously donated a Kwanzan cherry tree for each side of the PAC entrance, as well as lush sod to carpet the area. Cusano made sure to coordinate an irrigation system with the district to ensure maintenance of the grassy grounds.
“Anything that’s worth doing, you want to last,” he noted.
Cusano emphasized his gratitude to all those who helped him complete the project and work toward the honor of becoming an Eagle Scout, including Ackley’s Deerview Nursery and Johnson Farms, the Cumberland Regional School District maintenance crew, Boy Scout Troop #98 in Bridgeton, Mr. Bostwick and Mr. Sayre at CRHS, district administration, and his parents, Ronald and Darlene Cusano.
Cusano will appear before the Eagle Scout Board of Review on Nov. 13.
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