Congratulations to Deer Lakes senior Dom Tristani who recently earned the Boy Scout's highest rank of Eagle Scout!

Dom has been a dedicated scout for years and more recently has been a senior leader on Deer Lakes’ Unified Bocce team. For his project, he built the team's new transport and storage carts.

“This was really important to me to be able to combine two things I love in scouts and with the bocce team,” Dom said. “I was glad my service project was something personal to me. A lot of the time a service project is outdoors to improve a park or another public space. I’m passionate about raising awareness and promoting inclusion for special needs kids. I also got to build them with my dad and other scouts in my troop and really made it something special."

The process began in October when he asked Mrs. Weleski if she had any ideas for a service project. The bocce team was going to buy carts, but Dom said he could build them. They started by looking at what was going to be bought and made modifications.

Dom designed three models until the carts were in their final form on paper.

The unified bocce season was about to kickoff just as designs were being finalized.

“That time marked one of the most enjoyable stretches of my life and my high school career,” Dom said. “It’s been the highlight of my senior year to build relationships with everyone on the team and almost go to states. It’s been so much fun to be a part of Special Olympics and to have everyone rally behind us. I got to do it with friends like Evan and Noah and made friends with Bobby, Kraig, Carrson, Hernan, and so many other kids.”

The carts were completed by the time the unified bocce season ended, a culmination of 12 years of scouts.

“My dad was a huge help and I’ve had amazing and supportive leaders, especially in the last few months,” Dom said. “I’m also part of a really great group of scouts. I’m really happy with the bonds we’ve built and everything we’ve accomplished together. I’m glad we did this together for something that I know will benefit other kids for a long time.”