Bennett Nientimp's Eagle Project to Honor Bennett Kotok

Thank you for all of the generous donations to this project. It could not have come to life without the help of all of you. Thank you all for being a part of this journey, and always remember to be a great friend! Stay tuned for updates on the Bennett Bench installation this spring.

God Bless!

-Bennett

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My name is Bennett Nientimp. I am a junior at Saint Thomas Academy and a 2022 alum of Our Lady of Grace. I am a Life Scout with OLG’s Troop 102 and have started the final steps toward earning the rank of Eagle Scout. One requirement for this rank is completing an Eagle Project.

For my project, I will build and install Bennett Benches at Our Lady of Grace School. These benches are designed to promote friendship among students by providing a space where children can sit if they are looking for someone to talk to or play with.

Similar initiatives have proven successful in other schools, but these benches hold a deeper meaning. Each bench will be dedicated to the memory of Bennett Kotok, an alum of Our Lady of Grace and Saint Thomas Academy who passed away suddenly in 2024.

Bennett Kotok was a remarkable friend known for his kindness and compassion. He was a leader, mentor, and captain who inspired many, including me. These benches will symbolize the values of friendship and leadership that Bennett embodied. They will feature quotes from speeches he gave as a leader at Saint Thomas Academy, including “We rise by lifting others” and “Go into the world and do good.”

I am reaching out for your help in bringing this project to life. I would truly appreciate your help funding the Bennett Benches. They will serve as a lasting tribute to Bennett’s memory and provide a space for students to build friendships for years to come.

$5,000 will cover the costs of 5 benches. Funds raised above the $5,000 goal will go to funding additional benches and support scholarships in Bennett's honor.