Scouting News

Building a bridge to Eagle Scout

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For Christian Pollich, of Wantagh Boy Scout Troop 96, becoming an Eagle Scout is in his blood.

Pollich, 17, of Massapequa, recently installed 21 foot bridges throughout the Tackapausha Nature Preserve in Seaford as his Eagle Scout project. He is scheduled to receive his Eagle rank this September. Pollich will be following in the footsteps of his father and older brother who both earned the prestigious honor.

Pollich says that having two Eagle Scouts in his family has definitely helped him succeed. “I don’t want to let them down,” he said. “When I was not feeling energized to work on my project, they helped kick me into gear and start working.”

An avid hiker and biker who often uses the local trails himself, Pollich says installing footbridges throughout the Tackapausha Preserve was a perfect choice for his project. “My friends and I really enjoy using those trails,” he said. “But with the rain, they often get very muddy.”

He added that hopes his bridges can help enhance the preserve for its users.

According to Pollich, he needed to raise $1,500 to complete his project. He said the entire process of raising money, and successfully installing the bridges, took three to four months to complete. Pollich raised about $500 through a fundraiser Wendy’s hosted for him. The fast-food restaurant gave him 15 percent of its sales for one day. Pollich says another $500 was donated to him from supporters, and Lowes and Home Depot provided him with the remaining money needed to fund the project.

When it came to the installation of the 21 bridges, Pollich says he received help from other members of his troop as well as friends who are not involved with Boy Scouts.

According to Pollich, representatives from the Tackapausha Preserve have been very grateful for his work, and the public reaction to the bridges has been positive.

In first grade, Pollich was first introduced to Cub Scouts and his father was the cubmaster of his group. Later in fifth grade, he moved up to Boy Scouts where he began to work towards his Eagle rank.

Throughout his time as a scout with Troop 96, Pollich says he believes he has earned valuable life skills. “I definitely grew as a leader and improved my time management,” he said. “Those are two things that I will be able to use in the future.”

Pollich has earned 30 different merit badges throughout his time as a Boy Scout. He said that his favorite badge was automotive maintenance. “I love working on cars; it is a hobby of mine,” Pollich said. “It is something my friends and I really enjoy doing.”

He recently graduated from Massapequa High School and will be attending St. John’s University in the fall to pursue a Homeland and Corporate Border Patrol degree. Pollich says he has always been drawn to law enforcement but never knew what area to pursue. He said that this degree is of his interest and is something he should excel with. Pollich hopes to someday live in Texas and work on the Mexico border.