Inspired and inspiring, Bishop Noll senior Danny Cuevas dedicated his Eagle Scout project to benefit his school community.
For the service project, which asks Scouts to demonstrate leadership of others while completing a project to benefit his community, Cuevas purchased and assembled athletic benches for Bishop Noll's outdoor field.
The two new aluminum seats, which will be used primarily by the boys’ and girls’ soccer teams, include a canopy overhead to provide shade and protection from precipitation.
“I wanted to do this because I wanted to give back and leave my mark on the school that I love so dearly,” said Cuevas, of Hammond and a St. Stanislaus alum. He was captain of the varsity soccer team and varsity wrestling team.
Cuevas completed the project in October and said seeing the finished product gives him an incredible feeling. After he completes the Eagle Scout Board of Review process, he will join a select group of men who go above and beyond to give back to their communities, he said.
“Knowing that I raised more than $3,000 in only a few months for this project gives me this sense of accomplishment that is like no other. A lot of people told me I couldn't complete a project this immense. However, these doubts only motivated me even more to complete this project and reach my dreams. It's pretty nice to prove people wrong, but I'm just so glad to have done this for Bishop Noll.”
All of his Bishop Noll teachers have inspired Cuevas’ spirit of giving.
“These teachers not only sacrifice time but dedication to the students. They offer the best of their knowledge and abilities to cultivate their students in mind, body, and soul. They serve as a prime example of what a Christian should be and the generous, loving spirit Christians should live out.”
He feels especially inspired by band director Rocco Carioto and English teacher Kevin Burgan.
Cuevas, who is in marching and concert band, said Carioto has spurred his interest in music, and he plans to major in music and political science in college.
He said Carioto’s constant motivation of the Marching Warriors has taught him not to strive to be the best musician and person he can be.
Burgun has taught him to see deeper meaning both in literature and life and has helped improve his writing and literary analysis.
“What makes Daniel stand out is his drive,” Burgan said. “While he has dreams, he is not a dreamer. He understands what he wants and then takes the steps to achieve the goal. I know he wants to be a musician. Many people would say that is a dream, but for Daniel, I know he is looking at it practically, as something that he can achieve if he works towards it. I know he isn't just sitting in his room, imagining what being a musician would be like, he is trying to figure out how to get it done.”
Cuevas said he hopes he Eagle Scout project inspires others.
“I hope the project demonstrates to future generations of BNI Warriors, especially those who are considered minorities, that they can do whatever they put their mind to and that no dream is too small. I know for a fact that Bishop Noll students and alumni have the potential to impact the local, national, and global community in significant ways. I want to show the current students and future generations that making these impacts are possible.”
For more information on Bishop Noll, a Catholic college preparatory experience, visit bishopnoll.org.