Benjamin Franklin student gives back to school with Eagle Scout project

Meet Giovanni ("Gio") Cischke, an eighth-grade student at Benjamin Franklin Middle School and a Boy Scout working on becoming an Eagle Scout.

As Benjamin Franklin celebrates its 60th year and transitions into being an International Baccalaureate Program school, Cischke wanted to contribute something back to his school, its staff and his fellow students. For his Eagle Scout Project, Cischke decided he would paint his school's six sets of entrance doors, all the exterior hand railings, and the information sign post.

With the help of his Principal, Joseph Sotelo, he contacted Jane Didear with Dallas ISD’s Volunteer and Partnership Services department, to obtain district permission for the project. Didear then got the help of Rigoberto Zavala, the Dallas ISD Central Division Evening Manager, who helped by providing project advice and the primer, paint and painter's tape for the Eagle Scout Project.

With the help of several of his fellow Scouts and Benjamin Franklin students, the Eagle Scout Project was completed over four weeks in August and September.

"Working with Mrs. Didear, Mr. Zavala, Mr. Sotelo, and the Franklin Staff was great,” Cischke said. “Everyone was very helpful and supportive."

Didear stated that Dallas ISD welcomes volunteers and is happy to provide suggested projects for Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and other organizations to contribute their volunteer services for Dallas ISD schools' improvement. She just asks that people are sure to get permission before starting any project.

Benjamin Franklin has a fresh new look and a wonderful 60th birthday present for the 2016-2017 school year, thanks to a high flying Franklin Falcon's initiative!