Kids Who Shine

KIDS WHO SHINE JACK FABRIS, 18

BY LAUREN H. DOWDLE

Children and youth at King’s Home in Chelsea now have a workout area designed just for them thanks to the work of Jack Fabris.

Fabris first got involved with King’s House (formerly The King’s Ranch and Hanna Homes) with his grandfather, who took him there to help out. As he began volunteering more regularly, Fabris said he knew it was the perfect place to complete his Eagle Scout project.

He just needed to figure out what type of project would benefit the charity the most.

“One of the people who worked there suggested a workout area, and I thought that was a good idea,” he says.

Creating the area next to their popular basketball court seemed like the perfect location, giving the kids a place to hang out and workout. So, Fabris began measuring and creating a design to see what he would include and how he would build the space.

With help from some of his troop members, Fabris leveled out the space, which required a lot of digging, he says. Some of the construction for the project was done at his grandparents’ house and then transported to the site, where the components were assembled and cemented into the ground. He put the finishing touches on the workout area by covering the space in mulch.

The end result was an amazing space for everyone to enjoy. It included pull-up bars of varying sizes, an incline plane, and a pushup board. A member of Troop 354, Fabris completed his Eagle Scout project when he was 17.

“It feels wonderful, especially after all of the hard work I put into merit badges and everything

Jack Fabris achieved Eagle Scout rank last year.

else,” Fabris says.

Fabris, who has been involved since he was a Cub Scout, reached the Eagle Scout rank last year. The homeschooled senior from Chelsea says he originally joined the Scouts because he enjoyed camping and being outdoors, and the experience has also helped him make friends.

After he graduates from high school, Fabris plans to take a year off from school and eventually teach English in another country.

“I’ll go anywhere I can find an opportunity,” he says, though he would be especially interested in working in Japan.

He would also like to earn his certification to teach the younger Scouts in the future.

Fabris created a workout area for King’s Home.

TEEN TALK LINE (205) 605-1830

PARENT TALK LINE (205) 605-1827

compact2020.com

TEENS — Have questions? Concerned about things? Just need someone to listen? Talking helps. Whether you are having a great day or a tough day, give us a call. We are here to listen.

PARENTS — Think your teen might be involved with substance abuse?Have questions? Concerned about your teen? Wondering how to handle your teen’s choices? Just need someone to listen to you? Talking helps.