Teen honors memory of ‘Boo’ with Circle Park project

By SANDY LONG

GLEN SPEY, NY — Brian Corcoran, a tenth-grade honor student and three-sport athlete at Eldred Central School, has completed a special project in memory of a local beloved child.

After learning of the tragic death of 11-year-old Elizabeth “Boo” Bisland due to a swimming accident in August 2004, Corcoran became involved in an effort to create something that would honor the spirit of the energetic and uplifting child. He created an amphitheater to be used for reflection, outdoor education and an opportunity to connect with the peaceful natural setting of Glen Spey’s Circle Park.

To complete the project, Corcoran organized the efforts of more than 40 volunteers, comprised of community members and fellow boy scouts from his own Troop 173 of Port Jervis and from Troop 102 of Glen Spey. In doing so, Corcoran’s project earned him a promotion to Eagle Scout by the Hudson Valley Council Eagle Board of Review.

Corcoran has been a Boy Scout for approximately 10 years. Only about five percent of all Boy Scouts achieve Eagle Scout rank.

To become an Eagle Scout, a scout must meet specific requirements in leadership, service and outdoor skills. Scouts advance through levels and complete merit badges that signify the mastery of certain skills. Ultimately, the goals of scouting focus on citizenship training, character development and personal fitness.

Increased responsibility and enhanced leadership skills were two of the outcomes of Corcoran’s project, which required more than 300 hours of volunteer labor and took nearly one-and-one-half years to complete. Many businesses, organizations and individuals contributed donations of materials, labor and food.

Corcoran’s mother, Jean, who etched the stone butterfly that appears in the amphitheater, is proud of her son’s effort and the legacy it helps to create for the community. “Brian has met and formed associations and friendships with so many people who worked on and supported this project,” said Jean. “He has learned the true meaning of community service and is at peace with the death of an inspirational school mate.”

“Everybody worked hard to bring it together,” added Corcoran. “I hope that the people continue to use it.”