Isaac Stoker’s Eagle Scout Project: Beach Middle School Outdoor Classroom

By Crystal Hayduk

Beach Middle School (BMS) is one step closer to having an outdoor classroom, thanks to Isaac Stoker’s Eagle Scout project.

Stoker, son of Matt and Kelly Stoker, is a member of Troop #425 and a senior at Chelsea High School (CHS). He received national approval of his Eagle Scout status this summer, a goal he’s had since fifth grade.

Stoker’s project involved the construction of eight six-foot benches to furnish an outdoor classroom in the back corner of the middle school’s property, just outside the sixth-grade hallway and near the basketball and tennis courts. In light of COVID-19, spending time in the fresh air is especially important, but the initial idea for the area happened long before the novel coronavirus made its appearance. Stoker said he learned from his mentor, Lloyd Hafner, in early 2019 that BMS Principal Nick Angel envisioned an outdoor learning space.  

The first part of Stoker’s project began in May, 2019 with a tremendous amount of paperwork that included presentations, approvals, and fundraising. Construction of the benches was completed in September, 2019, when they were put into immediate use.  

Angel said the outdoor seating is greatly appreciated. “Our future plans include the creation of an outdoor classroom so these benches will be a perfect fit for this space,” he said. “They’re currently used as seating areas by the basketball courts and under the trees for student use during recess. With more of an interest in holding classes outdoors—weather permitting—these benches will be a hit. Isaac designed the benches and used high end materials with longevity in mind so many generations of Beach students will get to use them.”

Stoker said he learned about time management and coordination of the Scout volunteers who assisted with the project. “The biggest thing I learned, which is important for life, is to just get it done and don’t put it off,” he said. “No procrastination allowed for big projects.”

Ninety percent of the project was paid for with contributions from local businesses such as Uptown Coney Island and Cole Funeral Chapel, as well as several middle school families. Stoker covered the balance with money he had earned through fundraising in previous years.

Ian Boone was Stoker’s Scoutmaster for the last five years, until his recent retirement from the position. “Isaac is one of those Scouts who you can rely on to get a job done,” said Boone. “His Eagle project is a prime example of what a Scout can do. He worked hard in planning and leading Scouts within the troop to reach a goal.”