A pat on the back for a helpful Boy Scout

Boy Scout Alexander Wischki was honored at this month’s Saukville Village Board meeting for work he completed this year at Union Cemetery and achieving Eagle Scout status.

“Your determination and resolve in achieving the rank of Eagle Scout speaks volumes about the success I am sure you will achieve in reaching all of the goals you set for yourself by becoming an Eagle Scout,” Village President Barb Dickmann wrote in the commendation she presented to Wischki on Dec. 4.

For his Eagle Scout project, Wischki built a new planter at the entrance to Union Cemetery to accompany a new sign erected by the village.

“I wanted to be able to support our veterans, and the other planter didn’t look as good as it could have,” he said.

Wischki said he was inspired to complete the project to honor the veterans who are buried there.

To do so, he gained the support of village officials and others.

“This will provide a permanent fixture to honor the families of the veterans buried there and the veterans in my community,” Wischki wrote to village officials. “The flower box is meant to improve the visual impact of our cemetery all year and especially during parades and events.”

Wischki started work in spring and finished the project in time for ceremonies on Memorial Day.

Wischki is in 10th grade, making him younger than many other Eagle Scouts who complete their projects.

“I’m kind of young, but I had the ambition to go for it,” he said.

The planter is made of stones and stands about 10 feet long, three feet wide and about a foot high, Wischki said. Neuens Lumber in Fredonia helped provide the materials.

Wischki said the total project cost was about $700, most of which he raised by selling koulouria, traditional Greek Easter cookies that he made with the help of friends in Scout Troop 6888.

Wischki was also assisted by members of Cub Scout Troop 3638 in Cedarburg and Boy Scout Troop 875 in Port Washington.

Eagle Scout is the highest achievement or rank attainable in the Boy Scouts of America. Since the award’s inception in 1911, only 4% of Scouts have earned the rank.