BLUFFTON — The Benroth Bridge located in Bluffton’s Buckeye Park is getting a new look thanks to Eagle Scout candidate Misha Groman.
Groman, who is entering his senior year at Bluffton High School, has spent the last month power washing the bridge and removing graffiti, and has plans to reseal it with the help of friends, family and fellow Boy Scouts. The bridge cleanup is part of Groman’s Eagle Scout project, which every scout must complete before receiving what is the organization’s highest honor.
For Groman, cleaning up the bridge isn’t just about earning the title of Eagle Scout, it’s also about paying respect to the Bluffton community and its residents.
“The Benroth Bridge was created to honor Mr. Eugene Benroth, who was a huge advocate for community service in the village of Bluffton, so it really means a lot to be able to do something that pays respect to him,” Groman said. “It means a lot to me that I use my project to honor others in the community.”
Groman estimated he and his team of workers have spent 150 to 200 hours on the bridge project thus far, with more work sessions ahead. Along with power washing and resealing the bridge, they are also clearing brush from a nearby creek. He hopes to complete the project by Aug. 31.
Though he said it can be a lot of work, Groman said his time in Boy Scouts has prepared him to take on a project such as this.
“Boy Scouts has taught me a lot over the years, whether it be leadership or learning key values,” he said. “I think Boy Scouts is one of those things that really changes your life when you do it because it helps you with so many things.”
Groman has been a Scout since second grade, and if all goes well with his project, he will likely receive the rank of Eagle Scout by the end of 2015.
His desire to rise through Scout ranks, much like his capacity to finish the Benroth Bridge project, comes from a never-quit attitude Groman said he learned in Scouts.
“I’ve learned that it’s important that when you start something, you finish it,” he said. “Being an Eagle Scout is a great honor, and kind of like the bridge project, I’m really motivated to go out there and achieve it.”
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