Chelmsford Eagle Scout Candidate Pitches in at Nashoba Tech

A Chelmsford resident and Nashoba Tech Valley Technical High student decided to improve his school on his way to achieving his Eagle Scout distinction.

Nicholas Anderson, a junior who is studying Health Assisting at Nashoba Valley Technical High School, constructed a patio near the school’s new athletic complex and concession stand where visitors can sit and enjoy their refreshments.

“We talked about the idea that we had built this beautiful concession stand and we have this lovely athletic complex, but there was no place for people to just sit and linger during a game and have a hot dog or hamburger or a piece of pizza,” Superintendent Dr. Judith L. Klimkiewicz said, adding that there was a small patch of unused land adjacent to the stand. “We all thought a patio was a good use of that area.”

Anderson, a member of Boy Scout Troop 74 in North Chelmsford, had to level the ground before building the patio, a task that required 25 tons of crushed stone. Westford Earth Materials donated the stone and pavers for the job.

Once the ground was level, Anderson secured sand, fill, loam, grass seed, fertilizer, and more to complete the project. He and his crew of family and friends spent about a month, including nights and weekends, to finish the patio.

“It looks beautiful,” Dr. Klimkiewicz, commending Anderson for the job.

Anderson, the son of Larry and Fran Anderson, agreed that he’s pleased with how the patio came out, though he said the project -- especially the paperwork and approval process -- wasn’t easy.

Vicki-Ann Poulin, who teaches Health Assisting at Nashoba Tech, said only about 7 percent of all Boy Scouts achieve the Eagle rank, and she’s not surprised Anderson is approaching that milestone.

“Whenever I state that there is an opportunity for community-service hours or that I am hosting an event for the school, Nick is the first to volunteer,” Poulin said.

Anderson said the patio is something he hopes he comes to back and see years after he graduates.

“I think I’ll feel happy and proud that I was able to do something for my school,” he said.

Anderson must still earn a few more badges before he earns the Eagle Scout rank.

Nick said he’s grateful for the help and guidance of Westford Earth, Klimkiewicz; Nashoba Tech Facilities Manager Tim McDonald; Nashoba Tech’s school resource officer, Detective Joseph Eracleo; and his
family and fellow Scouts who helped with the project.

“It was a very big learning experience,” he said.

Editor’s note: Quotes in this article are from a statement released by Nashoba Tech Photo credit: Nashoba Tech. Anderson is pictured standing on the patio he constructed.