The moment I learned of his death is fresh, vivid in my memory. We were driving when my mom received a call. Sitting in the backseat, I could hear the entire phone call. He’s dead, hit by a distracted driver, while he was driving home. A young, bright eleven year old boy lost his future, dead due to someone’s negligence. This boy, Nikhil Badlani, was one of my best childhood friends. After his death, his parents established a foundation in honor which strives to raise awareness about traffic safety through education and work with local leaders and share Nikhil’s passion for music through programs for underserved children. After working with the organization for 6 years in advocating for traffic safety awareness, I became motivated to honor
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These benches were ultimately placed in the main entrance hallway of the West Orange High School to create a legacy for Nikhil within the educational institution and remind young drivers of the possible effects of negligence while driving. In accordance with Eagle Project requirements, I entirely planned and organized the project with support from Nikhil’s parents, the West Orange Public Schools Arts director, and my Scouting troop by navigating the bureaucratic obstacles, raising necessary funds, and coordinating with local student artists. After planning all aspects of the project, I utilized my fellow scouts in early May 2017 to sand and prime the cedar lumber in order to prepare it for construction of the bench. After using drills and screws to attach the lumber to the bench supports, the benches were lightly varnished and transported to West Orange High School. AP Art students worked throughout the summer to design and paint their traffic safety messages and awareness about the foundation. After the benches were painted and varnished, they were placed in the main hallway of West Orange High School for all to see. The grand total of hours completed by myself and those involved with the project summed up to 260 hours, 62 of which were completed by
These benches were ultimately placed in the main entrance hallway of the West Orange High School to create a legacy for Nikhil within the educational institution and remind young drivers of the possible effects of negligence while driving. In accordance with Eagle Project requirements, I entirely planned and organized the project with support from Nikhil’s parents, the West Orange Public Schools Arts director, and my Scouting troop by navigating the bureaucratic obstacles, raising necessary funds, and coordinating with local student artists. After planning all aspects of the project, I utilized my fellow scouts in early May 2017 to sand and prime the cedar lumber in order to prepare it for construction of the bench. After using drills and screws to attach the lumber to the bench supports, the benches were lightly varnished and transported to West Orange High School. AP Art students worked throughout the summer to design and paint their traffic safety messages and awareness about the foundation. After the benches were painted and varnished, they were placed in the main hallway of West Orange High School for all to see. The grand total of hours completed by myself and those involved with the project summed up to 260 hours, 62 of which were completed by