HELPING: ‘Hands of Hope’ adorn playground fence, thanks to local Scout

(WSB photo)

Part of the north fence at the Holy Rosary School playground is now adorned with tiles as the result of a local Eagle Scout project that’s been years in the making. Noah Gauyan, mentored by Troop 282 assistant scoutmaster Don Bazemore, created “Hands of Hope.” Noah worked with Holy Rosary students to create tiles with inspirational messages.

(This photo and next, courtesy Don Bazemore)

Noah explains that the original planning for his project – which also includes a bench – dated back to 2019, before the pandemic.

During the planning phase of the project; COVID hit, suspending in-person troop meetings and in turn putting a pause on my Eagle Scout Project. We really needed the students because we wanted them to write the messages themselves. So once school was back in session we could get moving again.

The tiles got done within a few months, all hand-done by the students of Holy Rosary West Seattle. … This project has a special meaning because my dad used to write messages in my lunch for me when I was a little kid and it always put a smile on my face. I also know that kids sometimes have a tough day at school and teachers too. So I wanted to provide a space for them to decompress and read thoughtful messages. The bench also symbolizes a place for students to meet new students and grow closer as a class. I still remember sitting on the sides of the playground with my friends talking about our weekend plans; now students can come to the bench and talk to each other. I hope that “the bench” becomes a phrase for students to use when they want to meet up.

(WSB photo)

Fellow Troop 282 Scouts helped build the bench, and today, Noah and helpers installed it and the tiles.

9 Replies to "HELPING: 'Hands of Hope' adorn playground fence, thanks to local Scout"

  • WS Res January 28, 2023 (9:14 pm)

    What a lovely project!  

    • Steve Oyer January 28, 2023 (10:05 pm)

      Well done Noah. Very meaningful project. Congratulations on your Scouting accomplishments!From a fellow Eagle Scout

      • Greg January 29, 2023 (8:59 am)

        My words exactly…  Great project!

  • Brendan January 29, 2023 (8:14 am)

    Noah is a true leader and an excellent role model!  

  • Hammer in Hand January 29, 2023 (8:44 am)

    Welcome to an elite group of people, Eagle Scoutsyou are marked for life and this accomplishment will serve well for a life time!I earned Eagle Scout Award 9/18/1978Congratulations my friend

  • Jennifer Herrin January 30, 2023 (4:33 am)

    Noah, you are a prince among men!  Congratulations on the completion of your beautiful project.  

  • Valerie January 30, 2023 (1:09 pm)

    Noah you took an idea and made it reality.  Getting students to work on the project they get to share in all the positives about this work. Great job Noah, great idea.

  • West Seattle Lite January 31, 2023 (9:41 am)

    Ah, Noah is the best! He made such an impression as a student at Holy Rosary and it’s great to see him continue in his endeavors. Thank you so much Noah!

  • Let Eagles Fly February 14, 2023 (6:52 pm)

    This project is incredibly touching.  If possible you need to check out what these grade schoolers wrote on their tiles.   And Noah amazing that you persevered and completed your Eagle Project while Covid tried to divert you.   This is another example of the great projects these youth (high schoolers) imagine on their own.  And then plan and complete the Eagle project while the adults provide mostly advice.  I am looking forward to sitting on that bench with my kids and grandkids.

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