Outdoor learning center expands educational opportunities at PCMS

PCMS teacher Crystal Koenig leads a lesson in the Outdoor Learning Center at District 32, which was rehabbed by Eagle Scout Levi Lappe.

A students' Eagle Scout project provided additional learning opportunities for students at District 32 this year. Levi Lappe, a junior at Perryville High School, rehabbed the district's Outdoor Learning Center for his Eagle Scout Leadership Project, which began with planning in the fall of 2012. He started work in March 2013 and presented the project to the Board of Education in December.

Levi is the son of Danny and Lisa Lappe of Perryville, and a member of Boy Scout Troop 250.

This spring, many teachers and students have taken advantage of the new seating area, podium, picnic tables and walking path. It's been the site of experiments and activities, as well as serving as a quiet reading and studying area.

PCMS Principal Velda Haertling commended Levi on choosing the school as the beneficiary of his Eagle project. "Levi and his volunteers have created not just a beautiful and tranquil place learning, but a very functional classroom," she said. "The addition of the podium is brilliant."

This project was made possible by community support from Brewer Monument & Graphics, Buchheit Inc. Computer Connection, Keller Motors, MFA Agri-Services, Perryville Stave Co., Preferred Realty, Rob Roy Nursery, Rozier's Mercantile, Take This Job & Stuff It Taxidermy, AmVets Post 94, VFW Post 4282, Earthworks Inc. and Garden Hill Nursery.

Superintendent Scott Ireland said the support that District 32 and its students receives from the community is impressive. "We're very grateful for Levi's efforts, for the extremely generous donations that his business sponsors provided, and for all of the volunteers who contributed to Levi's Eagle Scout project," Ireland said. "A school can only be as strong as its community, and Perry County shows its commitment to school and youth through projects like this. It's an excellent addition to our campus, and Levi is to be commended."