WEST MILFORD Kenny Foote wanted to give back to the church that has meant so much to him throughout his life. So when the time came to select an Eagle Scout project, Kenny decided to make Our Lady Queen of Peace the recipient of his hard work.
Kenny, along with some dedicated family members and friends, built an outdoor chapel on the church grounds.
"The chapel consisted of 18 benches and two paving stone pillars," said Kenny. "The benches are supported by two paving stone pillars topped with a six-foot slab of granite."
The project took 180 man hours to build. Kenny's dad, Kenneth Sr., helped his son mix two pallets of cement - all by hand. The bench tops themselves were donated by family, friends and parish members, he said.
It is a stunning chapel in a beautiful environment. Kenny said he chose the location "because it is surrounded by trees and many other of God's creations."
The chapel will be used for outdoor masses as well as the church's summer programs.
Kenny has been involved in scouting for 11 years, since second grade. He credits his mom, GET NAME, with pushing him through scouting, a fete of which he is proud. And, even after achieving the top rank in scouting, Kenny plans to remain active. He is a brotherhood member in The Order of the Arrow, Scouting's National Honor Society. He has worked at Camp Turrell in Cuddebackville, N.Y. for three summers.
Kenny was captain of the varsity bowling team at West Milford High School this year as well. He plans to attend County College of Morris in the fall.
Mayor Bettina Bieri presented Kenny with a plaque honoring him for his achievement on behalf of the township.