Spring Branch ISD Featured News

When Jimmy Peterson, a junior at Memorial High School, was planning a project to earn his Eagle Scout award in the fall of 2020, he noticed students participating in Zoom lessons while sitting on their beds. He realized that many students did not have desks at home to study from and participate in online lessons. So, he decided to make study desks for his Eagle project.

“I thought it would be nice to give them to kids,” said Peterson.

Peterson, a member of Troop 599 at Memorial Drive United Methodist Church, found a desk design online and made some modifications to it. He was put in contact with Diana Dominguez, the Communities in Schools Program Director to determine how many desks could be provided to Spring Branch ISD students in need. 

“I was so impressed and taken with his project, his thoughtfulness and generosity,” said Dominguez. “This young man offered to build 30 desks for students doing distance learning. What an incredible and amazing idea!”

A project plan was developed by Peterson and approved by troop and Boy Scout district leaders prior to commencing with construction. One of the goals of any Eagle Scout project is to develop leadership and collaboration skills in the youth who reach this level of achievement.

Peterson recruited his dad, troop members and friends to help build the 30 desks at his home. 

“It is quite obvious how much work and effort went into each of the desks,” said Dominguez. “The folding desks are nicely designed and very sturdy. He worked long hours to complete this project, while devoting time to his studies.”

In January, the desks were delivered to a school parking lot where selected students and their families came by to pick them up and take them home.

“It felt nice seeing the actual kids who would be using the desks,” said Peterson. “It was the best result of the project.”

Thank you, Jimmy, for your putting your Collaborative Spirit and Moral Compass to work for 30 SBISD students who can now more comfortably work towards T-2-4 success!
 

Submitted by Becky Wuerth, SBISD Communications
becky.wuerth@springbranchisd.com