Hello! My name is Kaleb, and I am a Junior at Ocean Springs High School, a member of the Blue-Grey Pride Marching Band, and a Boy Scout working toward my Eagle rank. For my Eagle project, I want to give back to my community in a meaningful way by building something lasting for the students at Oak Park Elementary School, where I went to school, and where my siblings are currently at.

I am raising funds to build an outdoor classroom for the school. This space will be set up in an amphitheater-style seating arrangement with a podium at the front for teachers. The goal is to create a space where students can enjoy learning in a different environment; one that is fresh, open, and connected to nature.

Studies show that students thrive when they can learn outside of the traditional classroom, and I want to give Oak Park’s teachers and kids the chance to experience that. Whether it’s a science lesson surrounded by nature, a reading circle under the sun, or simply a change of pace from being indoors, this classroom will help make learning exciting and memorable.

The total cost of materials is about $1,200, and every contribution goes directly toward wood, seating, the podium, and supplies needed to bring this project to life. Any amount, big or small, will help me reach my goal and leave something meaningful for generations of students at Oak Park Elementary. Any leftover funds will be donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Thank you so much for supporting my project and helping me take this step toward earning the rank of Eagle Scout while giving back to the school and community that has given me so much.

If you can’t donate, please consider sharing this page with family and friends to help spread the word!

-Kaleb Thompson