LW East senior gives back to Chelsea Intermediate School

FRANKFORT, IL — Lincoln-Way East High School senior Cole Chojnacki gave back to Chelsea Intermediate School by dedicating his Eagle Scout Service Project for use by the school’s students.

Chojnacki, along with family members and roughly 14 boys from Frankfort Boy Scout Troop 270, spent roughly three hours installing a life-size checkerboard set on the school’s playground. The set is made of dual-colored pavers and large plastic pieces, and is completed by a bamboo storage bench.

Chojnacki’s family moved to the area when he was entering sixth grade, so he did not attend Chelsea himself, but his younger siblings attended the school, including a brother who is currently in fifth grade there.

He said he wanted to give back to the school and give the students something that can be enjoyed for years to come.

Drawn to outdoor games since he was young, Chojnacki saw a life-size checkers set while he was on a family vacation two years ago and knew he wanted to create one for his Eagle Project.

The Frankfort School District 157-C Board of Education, Superintendent Dr. Maura Zinni and Chelsea Principal Doug Wernet recognized and thanked Chojnacki, his family and his troop leader at the board’s October meeting. Chojnacki was presented with a large thank you card and numerous smaller cards created by Chelsea students in appreciation of his project.

Wernet said when the students first saw the checkerboard on the playground, they lit up in excitement, and the board has received great use since the start of the school year.

Upon completion of documentation of the project, Chojnacki awaits his receipt of Eagle Scout rank — the highest rank possible in the Boy Scouts.

Mike Bonifacio, of Elemental Landscapes, generously donated all of the supplies and materials for this project.