TAHS Eagle Scout candidate is building a pavilion for the elementary school playground

Jesse hard at work while answering questions for Eagle Eye reporter Veronika Miller

The elementary playground can get pretty hot on some days, and there’s nowhere to go to cool off.

And when it rains, there’s nowhere to stay dry.

Tyrone High School senior and Eagle Scout candidate Jesse Branstetter is currently working on a project to build a pavilion behind Tyrone Elementary to solve these problems.

“I wanted to build something that people will use. I wanted to help out,” said Branstetter about his project.

“I think the elementary kids, and all the grades will use it.  I think its a great idea,” said Tyrone Area School District Physical Plant Director Tom Muir.

My biggest supporters are my mom, everyone in my troop, and the elementary school

— Senior Jesse Branstetter

“Day care will probably use it in the summer, and the elementary kids can use it for projects during the school year,” added Muir.

Before beginning construction, Branstetter had to get approval from the elementary school administration, the school board and as his own Boy Scout leaders.

When completed, the cost of this project will about $15,000.

Heavy construction is being done by local construction contractor Jeff Long.

Branstetter has held a number of fundraisers, including Christmas wreath sales, pizza kits, a bake sale and a recent a spaghetti dinner fundraiser, all to help raise money for his project.

According to Branstetter, the project will be completed by mid-April, due to the fact that he needs his Eagle Scout project done before he turns 18.

“My biggest supporters are my mom, everyone in my troop, and the elementary school,” said Branstetter.