New London teen overcomes obstacles to complete project
Ben Grumann, of New London Troop 59 Scout and a New London High School 2020 graduate, encountered challenges, obstacles and even a pandemic, but he was not going to let any of it stop him from earning the rank of Eagle Scout.
One of the many requirements of the BSA to earn the Rank of Eagle Scout is a scout must choose a project that will benefit his church, school or community.
Grumann realized his high school had no way of directing fans to the football/track stadium, so he chose the project of building a stadium entrance for his high school.
Once approval was granted from the BSA to proceed, Grumann obtained a design drawing, donated by Blue Design Group of Hortonville.
He learned the project would cost $88,000, almost five times his original estimate.
This meant collecting donations, services and supply donations for the project would be much more extensive.
Finding donors
The first donations came from Troop 59’s charter organization, the American Legion Post 263 in New London, and a donation from Troop 59’s Scoutmaster Tim Olsen, who held Merit Badge clinics to help raise funds.
Substantial donations came from First State Bank and the Gridiron Club of New London, as well as support from family and friends.
Even the New London High School Class of 2020 contributed to the project.
However, these efforts brought Grumann to only about one-eighth of the necessary cost.
At this point, an extremely generous donation came from Corey Defferding, owner of Northland Electric in New London, not only in financial support, but also with guidance in working with contractors, along with a new idea.
While discussing lighting for the project, Defferding suggested that rather than just spotlighting the structure, the sign itself should light up, for greater impact.
A structural drawing was required in order to finalize suppliers and contractors.
Boldt, a construction company located in Appleton, was already completing work for the New London School District and offered to donate a structural drawing for the project.
Then, COVID-19 hit and everything shut down.
But this obstacle, too, would not deter Grumann.
At Olsen’s suggestion, Grumann requested an extension from the BSA for his project.
Grumann was just 2 1/2 months from his 18th birthday, which is the deadline the BSA sets for all Eagle Scout projects.
With a one-month extension in place, a final structural drawing was obtained at the end of April, giving Grumann two months to complete his project.
Through the generosity of the community, the project came together.
New London excavator Terry Dorschner broke ground for the project on June 11, followed quickly by a foundation formed by K & H Concrete, with concrete donated from Mike Pompa of MCC, both also located in New London.
Pahlow Masonry from Shiocton began construction of the pillars, using bricks donated by County Materials of Appleton.
Northland Electric worked on the lighting while the sign was under construction.
On June 30, New London High School Principal Brian Yerkey turned on the stadium lights and, at only half the cost estimate, the project was complete.
The donor plaque, compliments of Mathewson Monuments of New London, is the only remaining piece of the project.
“The School District of New London is extremely proud of and grateful for the Bulldog Stadium Archway Project. Ben Grumann did an exceptional job with the entire project. It was inspiring to watch Ben from start to finish. I was lucky enough to work with Ben on the project and was impressed with his ability to manage a project of this magnitude. Ben handled everything from the design, to the fundraising and everything in between. Ben’s work ethic, organization skills and resilience were on constant display during the project. The Bulldog Stadium Archway is a showcase piece for our high school and community. It is also a great reminder to all students that there is nothing you can’t accomplish if you set your mind to it,” said Yerkey.
Although Grumann endured many obstacles throughout the process of earning his Eagle Rank, he never gave up,
“It took a lot of work and effort, but it was worth it in the end,” Grumann said.
Achievements, honors
In addition to fulfilling all the necessary requirements for earning the rank of Eagle Scout, Grumann is also a member of the BSA Order of the Arrow (OA), a National Honor Society of the BSA, composed of Scouts and Scouters who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives.
He participated in the National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) Pack and Paddle, the only scout in Troop 59 to do so.
Additionally, Grumann earned a total of 37 Merit Badges during his scouting career, which resulted in him receiving a Bronze, Gold and Silver Eagle Palm.
“Ben Grumann joined New London Troop 59 as a shy and quiet boy. Over the last seven years he ‘came out of his shell,’ tried new things, challenged himself and grew in his abilities. He is no longer a shy and quiet boy. From the very start of his Eagle project, Grumann committed 100%! Several obstacles were thrown at him along the way, but he never gave up, pushed on through them and took full ownership of his project and its success. New London High School, our community and the BSA have been blessed with the gift of Ben’s Eagle project which will be enjoyed by many for years to come,” Olsen said.
Submitted by Jennifer Grumann, committee chair of Troop 59.