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Student spotlight: Glen Crest eighth grader Alex Ursitti

In Kyle Falson’s sixth-period science class, Glen Crest eighth grader Alex Ursitti is a goal-oriented hard worker who cares about the details.

“He’s a leader-by-example,” Falson said. “He models what good student skills should look like in class. He really goes above and beyond to make sure his group or himself is set up for success.”

Outside of class, Ursitti is also a leader: The 13-year-old member of Troop 57 in Aurora is working to earn his Eagle Scout rank. Only about 4 percent of kids who participate in Scouts earn Eagle, the highest rank in Scouting. In order to earn Eagle Scout, scouts have to complete at least 21 merit badges, serve in their troop’s leadership, and complete a project that helps their community.

As Ursitti began thinking about this project, his attention turned to the CCSD 89 elementary school he attended.

“The teachers, the students, the social workers at Briar Glen -- they had such a big impact on me,” Ursitti said. “They were all so kind and helpful.”

Ursitti’s brother had also done an Eagle Scout project at Briar Glen – installing a butterfly garden – so Ursitti’s original goal was to put wood benches near that garden, which would have been an ambitious project. But after he met with Briar Glen principal Mitch Dubinsky, Ursitti began to envision something even bigger.

Kids sitting at picnic benches

Ursitti decided he wanted to put five durable composite picnic benches and a brick patio behind the school. Ursitti asked local organizations and businesses to donate supplies and labor. Working with about a dozen other Scouts from his troop and community volunteers, Ursitti led the installation.

The patio and picnic benches were ready for the start of the 2024-25 school year. 

“It was an immediate positive addition to Briar Glen for kids and staff to use,” Dubinsky said. “I know there will be many teachers using it for outdoor learning opportunities.”

Glen Crest literacy teacher Kim Propst wasn’t surprised Ursitti led the team because he gets along well with classmates and the teachers.  

“He’s someone that people should really get to know,” she said. “When you talk to him, you learn a lot of interesting things.”

At school, Ursitti is involved in the school’s computer club, Dungeons and Dragons club, and Teen Advisory Board.

Ursitti, who would like to be a veterinarian when he gets older, plans to visit the site of his Eagle project even after he leaves middle school. As the project grew in scope, one of the details he added was bushes around the patio. They’re small now but they’ll continue to grow and enrich the area.

“I hope that when I go back to see it, I see them big and flourishing,” Ursitti said.

Posted: January 16, 2025