Max Riesselmann has completed the work on his Eagle project on May 31, 2025.

Max's project consisted of building a memorial brick walkway from the existing flag pole brick area to an area that will have several benches.  The benches are dedicated to Pauline McTernan and the St. Joseph Alumni Association.

In order to fund the project, Max sold customized bricks for yourself, a family member, or a fellow St. Joe Alum.  His goal was to raise $5,000 with the actual amount nearing $12,000, this was 67 bricks of various sizes.  Monies raised in excess of the project expenses were given to the Pauline McTernan Legacy Scholarship fund.

Max was assisted in the project building by some of his St. Joe's classmates - and they learned something about building a brick walkway.  Several St. Joe Alumni also assisted with the project.

Max was asked several questions about the project, here are his responses:

How/why did you come up with the idea for your project?

It all started last year March 2024 when the alumni association had plans for a school beautification project, and I had planned to do my Eagle project. After talking with the school we came up with the idea that I would use the beautification project to help fulfill my Eagle project, and that it would be dedicated to Mrs. McTernan and SJCA alumni for everything they have done for our school.

Considering all aspects of the project, what was the hardest part and why?

The hardest part was probably making the paver stone walkway. It was the hardest first because we had to do two 8 hours days to finish it, it was very labor intensive cutting all the bricks for the pattern and laying them.

As you know community service is only one part of the project, the other being demonstrating leadership and Scouting skills.  How did you demonstrate leadership?

I demonstrated leadership by leading my friends in the project. I organized the dates and times for everybody to come help, and helped explain and teach my friends what to do for the project (laying brick, building benches, etc). Also, I set up all of the dates and times for all of the meetings, whether it was organizing fundraising, excavating, or laying brick.

Looking at your whole project, what letter grade would you give yourself and why?

I think I would give myself an A. First, I think the benches and the plaques turned out great, and they look very good along with the path. I feel like everything goes together well and gives a nice fresh look in front of the school.

What did you learn by doing this project?

I learned that stuff happens and you have to go with the flow. It was hard to organize times sometimes and there were many cancellations. Mr. Cable and Mr. Heller still had jobs to do outside of my project and sometimes do to things like rain or previously booked clients we had to change times. Although in the end, they were still able to find time in their busy schedules to come out and help me.

As a future St. Joe alumnus, what is/are the best thing(s) about being a part of St. Joe’s?

Definitely the community. Mr. Heller saw a Facebook post about my project, and called asking to help with the brick work, and Mr. Cable got into contact with me to help with the concrete. Both of them were tied to SJCA, with Heller being an alumni and the children of Mr. Cable being SJCA graduates. I think the community of SJCA is awesome, because they are always willing to help other people. 

Matt Rizzo was asked the following:

What is the significance of Max’s Eagle project to St. Joe’s and the St.Joe community?

"Max's Eagle project's significance to St. Joseph Catholic Academy and the St. Joseph Catholic Academy community fosters a sense of belonging and creates lasting legacies that brings everyone a tremendous amount of pride. The vision behind this project allows our community members to leave a tangible mark on the Academy, contributing to the Upper Campus' physical and social landscape. We anticipate this project to encourage interaction and collaboration among students, alumni, parents and staff, fostering a stronger sense of unity and shared identity for years to come.  We are proud of Max's vision, hard work and dedication to this project."

Pictures of the finished project: