JACKSON – Usually, an Eagle Scout project is completed, the scout goes up in rank, and everyone looks back on it as a great accomplishment. It’s usually not something that comes back a year later.
Gavin Kohute’s project was a 5K he organized last year, to benefit first responders, and it is becoming a township tradition. It happened again this year at Johnson Memorial Park.
The event afforded people the opportunity to gather together for a healthy, family-oriented activity that builds community spirit. Attendees and event organizers both noted that you couldn’t ask for a better day for the event as there was a breeze, and temperatures were mild for runners and walkers.
Proceeds from the event benefited several organizations including Scout Troops 204 and 402, the Jackson Mills Volunteer Fire Company Station 54 and Jackson Police Benevolent Association 168. The flat course started in the park and moved through local streets before coming back to the park.
Gavin was all smiles sporting his race-T-shirt as he was overseeing the activities that concluded with the presentation of awards.
The teen organizer was happy with the turnout for the event. “It is great to see it going on for the second year. I think we had 82 pre-registered and I don’t know the exact number for today’s registrants.”
“It was really great to get my Eagle Scout after my project last year. It is great to see it lived out again. This will benefit Station 54. They are our troop’s charter organization. They help us out,” Kahute added. The fire company charters both Troop 204 and Troop 402 made up of female scouts.
The day’s activities included the 5 Kilometer Run, a walk and “we have a one mile run which is mainly for the younger crowd. That is pretty fun too,” the scout added.
His father Brian Kohute, who participated in the run this year said, “we are excited to keep this going. It was great to get the police involved and we had the Air Force Color guard come at the opening to perform the National Anthem.”
Station 54 members Steve Linde who is the president of the fire company and Lt. Ralph Aponte were watching the runners and walkers come in near a fire truck that was parked on the field that flew a giant American flag.
“I’m also an assistant scout master and this started out as an event for an Eagle project and being the Troops’ charter organization Gavin wanted to do something to thank us. Everything that was raised from the first one went to our scholarship fund. This year it is a fundraiser for the Boy Scout Troop, the fire company and the PBA. Whatever we get will be put into the scholarship fund,” Aponte said.
He added that students put in applications to the fire company “and we pick, depending on what’s there. Two to four kids receive a scholarship.”
“I can’t think of a better use of the money than supporting kids to get into college and it is for both high schools in the town. If we can at least help them pay for some books, it is a little leg up for them,” Linde added.
“It’s great to give back to the scouts, the girls now and a Cub Scout Pack. We have three charters,” Linde said. He noted that the scouts hold their meetings at the fire company’s facilities and “they also keep it clean for us. It is a symbiotic relationship.”
He added that fire companies everywhere are in need of members and urged residents who might be interested to reach out Station 54 or the fire company in their fire district. The fire company will have a promotional table at Jackson Day coming up on October 2 at Johnson Park.
One of the day’s runners was Samantha Oscar who sported the number 1251. “This is my first time running here. My sister-in-law Danielle Matteo lives here in Jackson and she asked me to do it with her.”
The two runners have a bit of a rivalry going on. “I’m from Pennsville which is an hour and a half away. I finished at 31 and I think Danielle finished at 27,” Oscar said.
Councilman Alex Sauickie was happy to be announce the return of runners and walkers with a microphone near the trophy table. One of those runners was his son, Alex Sauickie IV.
“On a hot day it can be rough but it is perfect today,” the councilman said. “Getting the overcast is what you want. I had the honor to be at Gavin’s Eagle ceremony and I think it is a great example of volunteering and what you can do for the community.”
Sauicikie said, “typically an Eagle project is once but he’s taken on the task and the work to do this and raise money for scholarships for the firefighters. I’ve known him since he was a little kid and he’s just a great guy.”
