Eagle Scout Project honors former Potawatomi Wildlife Park Director and Scout Master Michael Stephan
MARSHALL COUNTY — Jack Mcintire, argos High School senior, celebrated his Eagle Scout Rank this past weekend for the completion of a tram that he donated to the Potawatomi Wildlife Park in tippecanoe.
He completed the project in November 2020, but recently celebrated the accomplishment this past weekend.
Mcintire is a member of Boy Scouts troop 251. He presented his project in memory of former Park Director and Scoutmaster for troop 251 Michael Stephan who passed away from cancer last year.
It took three months to complete the project. Mcintire used some recycled materials and was assisted by fellow scouts, leaders, and family members.
Scout leaders thomas Pedavoli, Victor Duke and Marie Fishburn were particularly helpful in supporting Mcintire through his project. Duke, even after stepping down from his leadership position, continued to support him through his eagle project. abby Mcintire, Jack’s mother, said, “those three
individuals were the backbone for the troop after Mike passed away.” They worked right alongside him and continued the work after he was gone.
Stephan had placed the project on a list of potential project for Eagle Scout candidates. Stephan thought the tram would provide a great service to visitors and guests. Mcintire had the resources to complete the project with the support of his father Mark.
Current Director of the Park Sharon Stephan said it was the last project that her husband had been part of and he would have been pleased. “Jack did an amazing job restoring the tour wagon. It was in really bad shape and needed a lot of work. This is the last Eagle Scout project that Mike was a part of and I am sure he would have appreciated the final product.”
The project will benefit people for generations to come. Visit Potawatomi Wildlife Park at 16998 IN-331, Tippecanoe.
“Mike was a big role model in my life. He was not only my leader but someone I looked up to. It was hard to finished the project after he passed away, but I knew I wanted to honor him and the contribution he made to my life.” - Jack Mcintire