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g a r r e t t g O n z a l e z - r i v a s a C h i e v e s e a g l e
s C O u t r a n k W i t h a B r O n z e p a l m a W a r d
Garrett Gonzalez-Rivas was presented with the rank of Eagle Scout and
a Bronze Palm award at the Boy Scout Troop 121 Spring Court of Honor
Ceremony last week. Garrett is a senior at Hunterdon County Academies
in the Computer Science and Applied Engineering program located
in Voorhees High School. Garrett joined Boy Scouts in seventh grade
and, through dedicated effort, he earned 26 merit badges and met all
requirements to move up in rank 7 times by his sophomore year. Despite
deep quarantine due to Covid-19, Garrett created, planned, and executed an
Eagle project in 2020. Garrett noticed that a prime piece of real estate near
downtown
Clinton by the
river called
Water Street
Park was
quite
barren,
uninviting,
and underused,
with only one weather-
b e a t e n b e n c h o n t h e
entire strip of land. After
discussing the issue with
M a y o r K o v a c h , G a r r e t t
designed, planned, built, and
installed two new weather-resistant benches and planters. In addition, he
refinished the existing bench, planted evergreens and perennial bulbs in
the new planters as well as trees, indigenous perennials and shrubs around
the park. Garrett assembled a team of people during that unprecedented
time to help with this project, utilizing good leadership skills to ensure
safe social distancing and planning for all work to be completed outdoors.
Water Street Park is now a little gem in the downtown Clinton area for
locals and tourists to enjoy, gather, rest, or take in the beautiful scenery.
"Learn to embrace your own unique beauty,
celebrate your unique gis with confidence.
Your imperfections are actually a gi."
~ Kerry Washington
