Janquart constructs fence by Holy Cross School soccer field
BAY SETTLEMENT — When Jakob Janquart began brainstorming about Eagle Scout projects, the site was an easy choice.
"(Holy Cross School) has always been a part of my life," he said. "I started there in kindergarten. It was the first place to come to mind. I wanted to do something at the school."
Janquart, a sophomore at Notre Dame Academy in Green Bay, met with Robin Jensen, principal at Holy Cross, to discuss possible projects. The soccer field behind the school, where Janquart had once played, was in need of a fence on the border by Church Road.
Jakob Janquart (Rick Evans | For The Compass)
"It was an issue here with the kids," said Janquart, a member of Troop 1041 chartered by Holy Cross. "They were worried about the security of the field."
A fence would stop the occasional ball from going into the road, but more importantly, would also serve as a barrier to prevent children from running into traffic and help control entry to the field on the south end.
Janquart, who is a midfielder at Notre Dame and plays club soccer for FC Green Bay, organized and led the building of a 204-foot rail fence, which is made out of recycled plastic.
"N.E.W. Plastics donated it all," he said. "They were originally deck boards. They are grooved at the bottom to fit together. We made it into a fence instead. This will literally be here forever unless it is destroyed. It will not decay."
The fence boards are made from 16,338 recycled milk jugs. The project, which required 253 hours of planning and labor, was completed in August of 2011. Janquart explained that the fence structure is intended to serve its purpose without hindering the open feel of the soccer field.
Janquart earned his Eagle Scout Award on Dec. 13, 2011. He was recognized at a ceremony on April 14 at Holy Cross School.
"Family was in town and it was a chance to thank everyone for helping me," he said. "(Norbertine) Fr. (Tom) Hagendorf, who was at my ceremony, wrote something about it in the bulletin. Some parish members congratulated me. I've gotten a lot of compliments about how nice it looks. They had seen the fence, but didn't know that it was connected to me."
Your Catholic Neighbor
Name: Jakob Janquart
Parish: Holy Cross, Bay Settlement
Age: 16
Favorite saint: Stephen
Words to live by: "The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary." — Vince Lombardi
|
Attaining the rank of Eagle not only requires the successful completion of a leadership service project, but also 21 merit badges and demonstrated leadership. Janquart earned 46 merit badges and has served as a patrol leader, troop guide and troop librarian. He currently serves as junior assistant scout master.
Leadership extends beyond the Boy Scouts for Janquart, the son of Kathy and Steve Janquart. He is also a student ambassador at Notre Dame and an altar server at Holy Cross.
"It's nice to see the Mass from a different angle," he said. "I started (as an altar server) in the fifth grade. During the Mass, you are being a leader. Some of the younger kids are just learning. I try to show them how to do things. I've been with people, where it's been their first time. They are a little nervous at the beginning, so I try to help them."
Janquart, who joined the Cub Scouts in the first grade, credits scouting with developing his leadership skills. He embraces the responsibility of being a role model as an Eagle Scout.
"I remember being that little kid who looked up to the Holy Cross Boy Scouts," he said. "Now that's me, which is a special feeling. I plan to stay involved. It's been a big part of my life and I want to share that."
The fence will not be the last Eagle Scout project for Janquart and his family. Younger brother Ben, a freshman at Notre Dame, is on the Eagle path. Jakob figures he owes him his time.
"(Ben) was one of my workers," he said. "He came early and stayed late. I will help him."
 |
| 
| 
| 
| Contact Us | Site Map | Donate
