By Kim Hilsenbeck

Eagle Scout Garrett DiPalma, a senior at Hays High School, wanted to create an Eagle project that would benefit students at his old elementary school. So after talking with his former art teacher at Tobias Elementary, Garrett designed and helped construct an outdoor learning center.

The effort took three years from conception to completion. Along the way, Garrett said he learned a lot about planning, working with contractors and volunteers, being flexible and adapting to changing situations.

His efforts paid off. Behind the school is the pavillion style outdoor learning center he created, complete with portable flower bins and native landscaping.

Garrett’s Eagle Scout project is one of the few that qualifies for the national Eagle Scout scholarship. The top winner can earn up to $40,000 for college. Garrett and his dad, Matt DiPalma, said there are also scholarships for runners up and honorable mentions.