Eagle Scout Project Led by Matthew Barrett ‘26

4/4/2025

On Saturday, February 1, a group of Saint Edward’s students and local Scouts, with their adult leaders, gathered on campus to complete an Eagle Scout project. Led by junior Matthew Barrett, a member of Troop 567 (meets at Our Savior Lutheran Church here in Vero Beach), the group undertook a two-part project to benefit the school campus. Please click the read more button at the end of the article to learn more about each part of the project.

The culmination of some five to six years of participation in Scouting, Eagle projects teach Scouts to serve their community, to plan the steps needed to carry out an impactful project, to raise funds and to demonstrate leadership in the execution of the plans. Matthew thanks the School for entrusting him with this project and for their guidance in carrying it out. He gives particular thanks to Mrs. Brandy Nelson, Mr. Jack MacMullan, Mr. Will Stribling, Mrs. Kathy Savage and Mrs. Linda Colontrelle, Michael’s aunt, along with those who joined in on the work day!

Part one was to construct three benches to be positioned along a footpath by the lagoon. The benches will be used for the outdoor classrooms of Marine Biology teacher Brandy Nelson, as well as anyone in our community who would like to sit and enjoy the beauty of our campus.

Part two was to refurbish the memorial garden between the Peter B. Benedict Library and the Waxlax Center for the Performing Arts. The team took down a weathered bamboo curtain and replaced it with two white vinyl fence panels. This effort was part of a larger undertaking to restore the garden, built in memory of Michael Trevino-Aversa '03, who lost his life two days after his graduation. The memorial garden will be rededicated with Michael’s family present early in May. A separate article will be posted then as a way of remembering Michael, who considered Saint Edward’s School his home.

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