Marlboro Eagle Scout Completes Roof on Guatemalan School Project

Local Eagle Scout Joe Vitale is still working hard to complete his project, building a school in Guatemala. Now, Vitale said the roof on the school is complete.

In September, Vitale updated his supporters with news that the walls and floor of the school were built.

"The project started in July and now, three months later, we are counting down the days for the inauguration," Vitale said in an email.

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Vitale's project now is to make sure supplies get to the school, a hurdle he said may turn out to be expensive.

"I have been reaching out to various sources to see how I can get them to Guatemala but, so far, it's very expensive," he said. "My mom is hoping that a friend of the family can help us take them by truck. I will not give up until the children have all the supplies they need to succeed."

The school inauguration is scheduled for Nov. 18, with the school children, local Mayor and members of The Giving Project. 

"The school was meant to commemorate my great grandmother, and in doing so, turned into something very special for me." 

The idea for the project formed from a trip he took with his family in 2007 to Guatemala, where he said he was inspired meeting local children. Their school, he said, was more like a shack. 

Vitale's mother lived in Guatemala until age 12, and his great grandmother was a teacher for indigenous Mayans in the area. For Vitale, the roots are deep, and his Eagle Scout project would strive to help an impoverished area while honoring his family.

"I can implement something that would not only change the lives of hundreds of children in Guatemala, but also mine, and hopefully the lives of those who support me in this mission."

To supplement fundraising, Vitale has partnered with The Giving Project, who has built other schools globally for around $22,000.

To donate to the fund, please make checks payable to Troop 155, and on the subject line: Joseph’s Eagle Scout Project. 

To stay updated about the project, visit Vitale's website.