With the help of Local Boy Scout Andrew Monroe and several organizations around Fannin County, Fannin County Preschoolers are able to enjoy a playground.
“We, the teachers, and our students are forever grateful to all who helped make this dream come true,” said Teacher Michele Callihan.
Fannin County Preschool moved to a new building September of last year. With a new building came new challenges. One particular problem was the location did not have a playground.
With the help of Monroe, the playground was assembled. Monroe was looking for a way to earn his Eagle Scout rank, which is the highest achievement or rank attainable in the Boy Scouts.
He said he learned of the project through his scout master. He then decided to call Callihan to get started.
Before he could begin with labor, he had to fill out preproject paperwork, which listed the project, what is needed and how it will be done. The paperwork then had to be reviewed and signed by the scout master, Callihan and boy scout “council representatives.” A project plan then had to be constructed before the actual project began.
“It took three work days over the course of about three months,” Monroe said, and he was aided by others in his troop.
Having been low on funds, the school received help through Tri-State EMC’s RoundUp Grant. The RoundUp Grant is available to organizations in Tri-State EMC’s jurisdiction. Fundraising at Dairy Queen also brought in proceeds.
When funds still came up short, the Empty Stocking Program donated to help pay for fencing and supplies.
The money gained allowed the institution to purchase fencing, a swing set, rubber mats, a play set, a playhouse and a concrete walkway, all of which Monroe and fellow scouts assembled.