Montgomery Catholic 10th grader, Erik Ojala, completed his Eagle rank project by designing and building a Gaga pit outside of the middle school campus. The Eagle rank in Boy Scouts is very prestigious, and designing and leading a project is the most difficult requirement.
Ojala had discussed the project with MCPS President Justin Castanza. After getting the project approved, PICE (Partners in Catholic Education) got word of the project and fully-funded it for Ojala and his team. When the build time came, troop 111 (Ojala’s troop), their sister troop 113, President Castanza, MCPS 8th grade President Juan Dana, and the Ojala family came together to make this project a reality. The build took six hours, consisting of mixing concrete, placing posts, and screwing treaded wood planks to create the pit walls in cold and windy conditions.
“Everyone who participated worked diligently to make this project one that will be enjoyed for years,” Ojala said.
Ojala intends to honor the pit later by adding a plaque with his name, his troop number, a thank you to PICE, and the name of the pit: The Venerable Bishop Frederic Baraga Gaga Ball Pit.
