For National First Responders Day, Cinnaminson High School will be conducting a Fallen First Responders Memorial Dedication in memory of the graduates of Cinnaminson High School who gave their lives in service to their communities.
Cinnaminson High School student Michael Gorman spearheaded the idea based on an Eagle Scout Service Project. According to the Boy Scouts of America, the Eagle Scout Project is an opportunity for members to demonstrate leadership by creating a project that will leave a lasting impact on the community.
When Gorman was first tasked with coming up with an idea for the project, he immediately wanted to do something meaningful, but didn’t know exactly what. He began to search online and noticed that doing a memorial would be a good idea. He knew Cinnaminson already had multiple memorials as a township, but realized the high school lacked a memorial.
Gorman also wanted to do something for his former family friend Trooper Sean Cullin. Cullin past away in 2016 while responding to a rear-end collision on interstate 295.
“Once I realized what I wanted to do, I contacted the school,” said Gorman. “They were very supportive and thought that it would be a great idea. I am proud that I was able to create this for such a great cause and because of the significance to me.”
According to Cinnaminson High School Principal Ryan Gorman, after coming up with a few different ideas and settling on one, Michael Gorman took off and did the entire project. He was able to fundraise and draw up schematics to see how everything would look. He organized the support from parents and the Boy Scouts troops. The high school did was give him access and approval.
“For the construction, Michael, a few other Scouts, his dad and uncle came out a few days and started with the excavation and site preparation,” said Principal Gorman. “Then they had a few dads come in who were familiar with masonry work and put the wall and the background up.
“I was really impressed by him,” the principal continued. “I am an Eagle Scout as well and I am familiar with the process. It holds a special place in my heart. I was excited that he was able to do it and put it all together. Both the vision and the implementation of the project shows a lot of potential for a kid that’s 17 years old. It was impressive to see.”
The unveiling ceremony will take place Monday, Oct. 28 at 6 p.m. in the senior courtyard of the Cinnaminson High School, 1197 Riverton Road. The event is open to the public.
