Aspiring Eagle Scout builds his resumé

Ever since Evan Mladinov’s older brother became an Eagle Scout, he knew it was an honor he wanted to earn for himself. Mladinov recently completed his required community service project, one of the last steps on the path to the Eagle rank. 

Mladinov, a member of Valley Stream Boy Scout Troop 109, completed his project for Our Lady of Lourdes School in Malverne. He built four new tables, as well as a computer desk, for the Catholic school’s library. Mladinov, 15, and his family are members of the Our Lady of Lourdes Parish.

The project took about two months to complete. Mladinov said most of the construction took place on his back porch. When the tables were finished, they were brought over to the school in two separate car trips.

To pay for the supplies, which cost about $1,000, Mladinov collected money from church parishioners after mass one Sunday. He said these funds were used to buy wood, tools, stain and other supplies. There was money left over — about $680 — which was donated to the school library for books. 

“It was very thoughtful of him to think about the school,” said Principal Mary Murphy. “He did a great job.”

Like any Eagle Scout project, it was a team effort with Mladinov leading the way. His father, Anthony, helped him purchase supplies at Home Depot while neighbor Joseph Englese donated time to help with the woodworking. Mladinov also received assistance in building the tables from his cousin Maria, a Girl Scout, cousin Walter, also an aspiring Eagle Scout, and about a half-dozen fellow scouts from Troop 109.

Murphy said she was impressed with the quality of the work, which looks like it was done by a professional carpenter. “The tables are absolutely beautiful,” she said. “They set off the library so well. We had old furniture in there and it gives it an updated look.”

Mladinov, who has been a scout since first grade, said he has wanted to be an Eagle Scout ever since his older brother, Guy, earned the honor a few years ago. “That gave me something to shoot for,” he said.

A community service project must be completed before a scout is considered for the Eagle rank. Mladinov said he will now go before a council, likely in the next month, to determine if he qualifies for Eagle Scout. If he does, he will earn the honor at an Eagle Scout ceremony in the spring with fellow Troop 109 Boy Scouts Joe Cerulli and Keith Donovan.

Boy Scouts must complete their Eagle requirements by the time they turn 18. Mladinov said he is glad to be three years ahead of schedule. “It’s good because there’s no stress of having to rush any work before I reach the age limit,” he said.

He knows the project was appreciated by staff at the school, even receiving a letter from the librarian, Domenica Barbuto. “The most rewarding part was probably when she sent me a letter saying thanks,” Mladinov said. “She was very impressed. It made me feel good.”

Mladinov, who lives in Malverne, attended Valley Stream North High School for seventh and eighth grade, and now is a sophomore at Chaminade High School.