Scout Leadership in Action: Hartnett Deck Restoration Completed
How 13-Year-Old Kevin Burgess Transformed the Hartnett Deck: A Community Story Worth Celebrating
When 13-year-old Kevin Burgess looked at the outdoor deck at Frederick Hartnett Middle School — a space he once enjoyed as a student — he didn’t just see weathered boards and faded picnic tables. He saw possibility.
And that spark of possibility became the Kevin Burgess Eagle Scout Project, a community-powered effort that has now fully transformed the school’s outdoor gathering area into a brighter, sturdier, more welcoming space for students.
What began as one eighth-grader’s idea grew into one of the most uplifting local stories of the year. With dedication, teamwork, and support from across Blackstone and Millville, Kevin brought new life to a space that means so much to Hartnett students.
Who Kevin Is — and Why He Took on This Challenge
Kevin Burgess is a member of Troop 1 Blackstone and Troop 2 Woonsocket, an active athlete who plays basketball and soccer, and a kid who simply loves being outdoors. He also has a growing interest in the medical field — a hint that helping people has always come naturally to him.
Although he’s only 13, Kevin is already a deeply engaged Scout. He holds five leadership positions in his troop — Den Chief, Troop Guide, Chaplain’s Aid, Leadership Advisor, and another internal leadership role — and he is a leader within the Order of the Arrow, Scouting’s honor society. He has spent the last three years logging significant community service and consistently living out the Scout Oath and Law.
The deck adjacent to the cafeteria at Frederick Hartnett Middle School was originally built eight years ago by another Eagle Scout. Over time, exposure to weather and heavy student use caused the space to deteriorate. Kevin, who used the deck during his years at Hartnett, recognized how important it was to students — and how much it needed attention.
He wanted other students to enjoy the space as much as he once did, and he wanted to make it better for the next group of kids who would learn, gather, and hang out there.
That’s where Kevin’s Eagle Scout Project began.
How Kevin’s Eagle Scout Project Came to Life
One of the first major steps in any Eagle Scout project is presenting the idea to potential beneficiaries and stakeholders. On June 12, earlier this year, Kevin presented his proposal at a BMR School Committee meeting alongside Connor Raymond, Senior Patrol Leader of the troop, and Mr. Wilds, his Scoutmaster and Eagle mentor. He explained why the deck mattered to students, how it had deteriorated over eight years, and the repairs and upgrades he hoped to lead. The committee approved his plan, which then moved through troop and council approval as part of the official Eagle process.
From there, Kevin began fundraising — contacting local businesses, partnering with stores to sell candy bars, and organizing a can drive. (He raised $346 from returnable cans alone.)
Restoring an entire deck isn’t a small task — especially when the Eagle Scout paperwork itself can reach nearly 50 pages. But Kevin approached the project with the same determination he brings to sports or schoolwork.
With a team of 17 volunteers and the help of dedicated team leaders, he set out to bring the deck back to life. Together, they:
- Power washed the deck and all picnic tables
- Rebuilt worn table tops and frames
- Replaced damaged floorboards and balusters
- Added a brand-new garden area
- Laid stones under and around the deck
- Spread grass seed to refresh the surrounding space
- Fully stained the deck
Kevin also created a maintenance fund and coordinated long-term care with the school’s janitorial staff and groundskeeper to ensure the deck remains well cared for in the years ahead.
Expanding the Project Vision
As donations came in from local businesses and community members, Kevin had the opportunity to expand the project beyond basic restoration. With the additional support, he added custom umbrellas to the picnic tables — a finishing touch that dramatically enhanced the look and usability of the space.
Passersby have already noticed. The deck is brighter, sturdier, and inviting — a space where students can eat, read, work outside, or simply get a breath of fresh air.
The Community Support Behind Kevin’s Eagle Scout Project
Kevin’s mom, Stephanie Burgess, said the most meaningful part of the experience was seeing how strongly people rallied behind Kevin’s work. What started with Kevin collecting 5-cent returnable cans grew into a true community effort.
Local businesses stepped in generously:
- Tellstone Bus – financial support
- Select Paint Inc. – stain for the deck
- Ideal Craft Cannabis – the majority of the lumber
- Mullaly Materials – loam and stone
- UniBank for Savings – support
- Knights of Columbus, Blackstone Chapter – support
With that extra help, Kevin was able to take the project beyond restoration and into true beautification.
And when the work was done, Kevin gave back again:
- $500 donated to Hartnett Middle School for ongoing maintenance
- About $150 donated to the Isaiah Lussier Memorial Garden
Stephanie said, “We are truly grateful for every contribution… every bit of support, large or small, truly made a difference.”
What Kevin Learned — and What He Hopes Others Learn
This wasn’t just a building project. It was a leadership journey. Stephanie watched her son take on adult-level responsibilities — planning, coordinating, organizing volunteers, and handling extensive paperwork — all while staying focused on a goal bigger than himself.
Kevin hopes this project inspires other young people to take initiative in their own communities. He believes leadership can come from anyone, at any age.
And his mom hopes families see the same message: “Even at a young age, you can make an incredible difference and have a lasting, positive impact on your community.”
A Stronger Community Because of One Scout’s Vision
Kevin’s Eagle Scout Project is now part of Frederick Hartnett Middle School — not just physically, but in spirit. Every student who takes a seat at one of those picnic tables or rests in the shade of an umbrella will be benefiting from the hard work of a 13-year-old and the power of a generous community.
Blackstone and Millville pride themselves on being places where people step up for one another. Kevin’s project is proof of that.
And it’s proof of what a motivated young person can accomplish when a town chooses to lift them up.
At Small Town Post, we believe stories like Kevin’s Eagle Scout Project are the heart of what makes Blackstone and Millville special. Our mission is to highlight the everyday people who create real impact — students, volunteers, small businesses, public servants, and neighbors who quietly make our community better.
If you know someone with a story worth sharing, we’d love to hear from you anytime. And be sure to follow Small Town Post on Facebook — we share local stories, news, events, and community updates regularly.
Together, we keep our small-town spirit alive.
