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NOV.1, 2024— Pal-Mac senior Logan Vogl is used to working on big productions, but not quite like this.

Vogl recently completed work on several red wooden benches, which are used for seating in the school’s Performing Arts Center lobby. The work was a part of Vogl’s Eagle Scout leadership project, which can earn a scout their highest rank. 

After considering several options, Vogl says he knew he wanted to help out the theater department. He is an accomplished play and musical actor within the program. He most recently appeared on stage in the high school production of “Clue,” which had just finished its first of four shows when we spoke to Vogl. 

He first reached out to a group including Theater Director Kimberly Day, Choir Director Katie Fisher, and Technical Theater Director Doug Blackall, during a July planning session. Through several meetings, they decided the project should focus on benches that would provide additional seating options in the lobby.

Similar scout projects provided new seating opportunities in the front bus loop and the main entranceway to the school.

Next, he collaborated with his Dad and an Eagle Scout project advisor to figure out what materials they needed. They even matched the benches to the District’s signature red, with help from Earth Science teacher Joe Perry.

The long benches feature the ability to fold up for easy storage, something Vogl and his team took into consideration early on.

To fund the project, Vogl’s father organized an online fundraiser, which allowed them to cover the cost of materials. His team of volunteers dedicated several weekends, often on Sundays, to complete the benches without impacting his school and work commitments. 

As mentioned, the benches were ready in time for Clue’s opening night.

“It feels amazing not only to be able to give back to the community but to give back to something that I love, which is theater,” Vogl said. “It feels absolutely incredible to be a part of a team that puts something together.”

Vogl says in addition to the good feeling of giving back, he learned valuable planning and construction skills.