It took over two years to come to fruition, but the local community of Edgewood is benefiting from the determination of a local teenager. Eddie Lockman of Verona was recently awarded Scouting’s highest rank, Eagle Scout, during a ceremony at the large white gazebo in Memorial Park. Lockman planned the gazebo construction project, oversaw fundraising efforts, and led a crew of over 20 volunteers in assembling the structure that is the centerpiece of the park. The project was conceived during a conversation between Lockman and Edgewood veterans that occurred on Memorial Day in 2019. Inspired by this conversation, Lockman set out to ensure a lasting tribute could be constructed in Memorial Park and selected the gazebo construction as the capstone to his Scouting career. Lockman first joined Scouting as a first grader (Tiger Cub) with Pack 139 in Verona. Having worked his way up through the ranks, he crossed over into Troop 23, which is chartered by the First Prebysterian Church of Edgewood. During his time in Scouting, he participated in numerous camping trips and outings, all while learning the values of citizenship in the community, nation, and world. In planning for the gazebo, Lockman worked closely with officials from Edgewood borough. Over $11,000 was raised to purchase the materials needed to construct the gazebo. Fundraising efforts consisted of selling commemorative bricks along with a poinsettia sale and a Go Fund Me page. Volunteers from the Edgewood Foundation assisted collecting and managing the funds. In constructing the gazebo, over 20 volunteers assisted with unloading and assembling the wooden panels, some of which weighed over 200 pounds each. Santa Maria Landscape Company provided the foundation for the structure. A dedication for the gazebo was held on July 9, 2021, which was also proclaimed by the Borough of Edgewood as Eddie Lockman Day. Local leaders along with US Representative Mike Doyle were in attendance for the event. Lockman recently graduated from Central Catholic and has plans to apply for an apprenticeship with the steamfitters union. Certainly the lessons he’s learned as a Scout, along with those gained in the gazebo construction, will benefit him greatly in this trade.

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