Teen Scout Moves Memorial Garden to New Nokesville School

For his Eagle Scout project, Jonathan Raisigel and other scouts (Jarrett Lash pictured in center) worked to the transfer  the memorial patio from the Nokesville Elementary School to the new The Nokesville School. Submitted Photo.

Nokesville teen Jonathan Raisigel created “The Legacy Garden” at The Nokesville School  Nov. 1-2 to preserve the memory patio from the former Nokesville Elementary and allow for future commemorations.

Nokesville Elementary School, which operated from 1929 to 2014, was replaced by The Nokesville School (Kindergarten through 8th grade) this fall. At Nokesville Elementary, there was a stone patio with engraved bricks and memorial trees planted in memory of deceased community members and students.

Raisigel, a member of Boy Scout Troop 671, wanted to transfer these pieces to the new school as part of his Eagle Scout project.

“I went to Nokesville Elementary School, which has been around for 85 years, and I know that many people were sad to see it closing. I didn’t want the school to be forgotten, so I decided to move the patio from the old school to the new one. The patio is made of bricks that were purchased and engraved by members of the community, so I felt that moving the patio to the new school would continue the history of the Nokesville Elementary School,” Raisigel said.

In order for the move to take place, Raisigel spent six months planning and seeking approval from the new school.

“I have been actively working on this project for about six months. I have been working with Mr. Eric Worcester at The Nokesville School, as well as representatives from Prince William County Schools to have this project approved. Prior to the closing of Nokesville Elementary School, I worked with the PTO and Mason’s Landscaping to move and secure all of the bricks.  The intent was to ensure we would not lose possession of the bricks if the building were sold,” he said.

In planning the move, Raisigel received support in the form of monetary and material donations from community members and businesses.

“During my planning process, I worked out a cost estimate based on the materials needed to complete the project. I contacted many local businesses directly and asked them to donate materials for the project. Mason’s Landscaping, The Stone Center, The Sign Farm, The Chuck Wagon, and 7-Eleven all contributed to the project. I have also raised money online through a GoFundMe account to use on the project,” he said.

Nevertheless, the encouragement from the community allowed Raisigel to  create “The Legacy Garden successfully.”

“Several families have reached out to me because the bricks are memorials to their loved ones,” he said, “Without the support of the community, I would not have been able to do this project.”