Agle, 17, restored a World War I and II Monument in the Collins Center Cemetery. Agle cleaned the stone monument, installed bricks surrounding the monument, and constructed a bench at its side.

“It was quite a nice project, it really was. We’re pretty proud of him,” said Christine Agle, Christopher’s mother.

When Agle was looking for ideas for an Eagle Scout project, his grandparents suggested something in the Collins Center Cemetery.

He later walked the grounds of the cemetery, where he discovered the World War I and II Monument, almost blending in with the headstones of the cemetery with an aged stone.

Submitted Photos For his Eagle Scout project, Christopher Agle, a student at the Springville-Griffith Institute, restored the World War I and II Monument located in Collins Center Cemetery.

“When I went there, I saw the World War I and II Monument, and I just felt like it could be spruced up a little bit. It didn’t stand out that much … and I just wanted it to stand out a little more. I thought that would be a perfect project,” Agle said.

Agle was helped by his Scout Troop 643 in Springville, including an Eagle Scout who returned from college to assist. One of Agle’s neighbors is a landscaper who helped with the project, as well. But overall, the planning and organization was all up to him.

First, Agle sought approval from the Collins Cemetery Board to proceed. After that, he submitted a proposal to the Scout Council. Once approved, Agle met with various goods and service providers to determine the cost of his needs for the project.

From there, Agle fundraised through a garage sale, solicitation of donations, and selling chocolate bars throughout his community and at his school, the Springville-Griffith Institute. Agle is grateful for the support from Lowe’s and Gernatt Gravel, who each supported the project with donations, as well.

The American Legion and VFW Post in Gowanda also contributed to the project. The monument holds significance in the Village of Gowanda, as the annual Memorial Day Parade concludes at the monument.

“We thought how neat that would be now that when they end there, they will have this nice spot,” Christine Agle said.

The project was completed at the end of July. Agle felt the impact of his work on many generations, from the seniors who now have a bench to rest on while visiting the cherished monument to the younger scouts he set an example for with his project.

“It showed me that I can do a lot more to help my community than I once thought I could,” Agle said.