[May 24, 2013] Eagle Scout project transforms Penn-Trafford courtyard into picnic area Tweet May 24, 2013 (Tribune-Review - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- A Penn-Trafford sophomore's Eagle Scout project is enabling his fellow students to get some fresh air during the school day. A new seating area that Alex Deutsch arranged outside the cafeteria is open to seniors during lunch and to other students who have study halls in the cafeteria. In mid-April, a team of about 20 Scouts and parents from Boy Scout Troop 201 in Level Green pitched in over an eight-hour period to help Alex transform a barren courtyard into a picnic area that features five tables. The school district donated $4,000 for the tables, and the student union pitched in $1,000 for the lumber for borders for the seating area, Alex said. Local businesses also helped to cut the sod and install some gravel. Alex, who has sat outside during some study halls, said he worked on the idea with high school Principal Scott Inglese and Assistant Superintendent Matt Harris. Initially, Alex, 15, was interested in an outdoor-classroom concept. "It's nice to get some air during school, loosen things up and not be so tense," he said. Inglese said the tables already have gotten a lot of use during nice weather this spring. He had to limit the seating to seniors during lunchtime because there isn't enough room to accommodate other grade levels, too. "The kids are loving it, so it's working out really well," Inglese said. Some seniors eating lunch outside last week said they already had used the tables about 10 times. Shawn Knox said it was more calm and quiet outside than sitting in the cafeteria. Eric Swope, who was the student union's representative to the school board this year, said the courtyard felt like something offered at a college campus. Outside, students can enjoy the sun and even get a tan, he said. "It's a lot better than being in there." Chris Foreman is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. He can be reached at 412-856-7400, ext. 8671, or [email protected]. Most Popular Penn-Trafford 1. Eagle Scout project transforms Penn-Trafford courtyard into picnic area 2. Outdoor graduation still on track for Penn-Trafford 3. Board allows Manor couple to keep pet goats in their yard 4. Redevelopment authority set to approve demolition of old Trafford fire station 5. Trafford zoning officials OK plan for nine baseball fields 6. Penn-Trafford commencement set for Friday 7. Voters support incumbent Penn-Trafford board members 8. Garner retiring after 37 years as Penn-Trafford teacher, administrator 9. Pipeline request for right-of-way on Penn property on hold 10. Redistricting plan provides continuity in state representation for Penn-Trafford School District residents ___ (c)2013 Tribune-Review (Greensburg, Pa.) Visit Tribune-Review (Greensburg, Pa.) at www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib Distributed by MCT Information Services [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]