LEETONIA -Salem resident Jordan Panezott used his Eagle Scout project to spruce up the grounds of St. Patrick Church in Leetonia, installing two new flag poles, painting railings and planting new shrubs in Mary's Reflection Garden.
"I thought this would be more noticeable and more needed," the 18-year-old graduate of United High School said.
Jordan is a member of St. Paul Boy Scout Troop 6 in Salem, but is a member of St. Patrick Church, where his family has a long history. He is the son of Jim and Lisa Panezott and has two brothers, James and Brady. Jim serves as assistant scoutmaster and his brothers are also involved in Boy Scouts.
Article Photos
Jordan Panezott, of Salem St. Paul Boy Scout Troop 6, prepares to raise the American flag during a recent dedication of the new flag poles installed as part of his Eagle Scout project at St. Patrick Church in Leetonia. Assisting him around the new flag pole are his father, Jim, assistant scoutmaster, his brother Brady, and his brother James, holding the flag. Fourth Degree members of Leetonia Council 1569 Knights of Columbus also salute during the ceremony attended by Jordan’s fellow parishioners. (Salem News photo by Mary Ann Greier)
When considering what to do for his Eagle Scout project, he talked to members of the Leetonia Council 1569 Knights of Columbus who gave him some ideas. The Knights, fellow scouts and parents of scouts helped with the labor. Jordan explained that the previous flag poles had broken off, so for the new flag poles, they built supports. The poles are also hinged so they can bring the poles down to work on the ropes if necessary.
In Mary's Reflection Garden, some shrubs were removed and replaced and railings in front of the church were repainted.
Several donations were secured for the materials, with Leetonia American Legion Post 131 donating the American flag. Rick Altomare of Leetonia donated the poles, Elliott's Garden Center in Boardman donated the shrubs, Busy Beaver in Salem donated the rope, pulleys and cement and Superior Paint in Salem donated the paint and paint brushes used to paint the poles and railings.
Jordan plans to attend Kent State University Salem campus in the fall.
