Zac Cosenza: Learning Leadership and Patience, One Paver at a Time

Waiting two years to complete any project might seem like a long time. For a local Boy Scout working to earn the rank of Eagle Scout, it was an experience that offered a lesson in patience.

Zac Cosenza started on the path toward his Eagle Scout rank two years ago, and recently completed the project. Now, he waits to see if his work was up to snuff and is he will earn the rank of Eagle Scout. Only about 5 percent of  Boy Scouts earn the rank, according to the Boy Scouts of America.

For his project, Zac, 16 and a student at Metea Valley High School, partnered with the Naperville Area Humane Society to install pavers outside of the shelter. Donors and friends of the animal shelter purchased the engraved pavers. 

“I definitely learned patience and endurance and good management skills,” Zac said. “I had to call up new people which is always a new experience for teenagers.” 

Brainstorming ideas with his mom, Zac said she suggested that he do something to help the and they came up with the idea for the paver project.

The project took so long to complete because all of the pavers had to be purchased, Zac said.  

While there was a lot of time waiting for the pavers to be purchased, Zac did have other work to do in preparation. He had to get the proper permits for the project, make sure that gas and electric lines weren’t in the way and plan and organize delivery of the pavers.

Once the pavers were ready to be installed, Zac learned about leadership. He oversaw the installation and provided leadership for the two-dozen Scouts from Boy Scout Troop 81 who volunteered to help him out.

The plan was to install the pavers over the course of two days, but things went so well the installation only took one day to complete the project, he said.

On May 19, the Naperville Area Humane Society held a paver party to acknowledge Zac, his fellow Scouts and the donors who purchased pavers, said Angie Wood, executive director of the Naperville Area Humane Society. 

“It was definitely very nice to be recognized and see my plans, and all the people who helped me, to see it completed,” Zac said.

Zac has a few things left to do in order to attain the Eagle Scout rank, he said. He hopes to be done with everything this summer. 

While only 5 percent of Scouts ever earn the rank, Zac, who will be a junior next school year, said he has stayed in scouting because it has taught him hard work and endurance, skills that are helpful to succeed in life.

“A lot of it is the friends that you make in scouting,” Zac said. “I’ve gone camping with them on several long week to two week trips. You become friends with them and that friendship is stronger than with anyone you see at school.”

Now that the project is completed, Zac is happy with the results and thankful for the help he received, he said.

“Most kids never get to do anything like that or give back in that way. Think it’s great that I have that and gave back to the community,” he said. “I got a lot of help from my family and it was a lot of hard work, but I’m really proud of it.”