Many Greenhills students rely on the several service pathways to complete their service requirements – Jacob Perkins ‘25 had a different approach. Over the last year, Perkins has put his time and effort into constructing a greenhouse as a crucial component of his Eagle Scout project, demonstrating his passion for the environment and gardening. This greenhouse is located outside of the 11th-grade forum.

Perkins started this project at the beginning of his sophomore year. His vision for the greenhouse extends far beyond personal satisfaction.

“My main goal is to have the greenhouse available as a resource for Greenhills, for any kids who want to garden recreationally,” Perkins said. 

One of the driving forces Perkins chose to take on this project is to restore the existing, damaged greenhouse. The greenhouse that was there before was made of wood, and over time, the wood started to rot. Additionally, Perkins has been a devoted member of the Greenhills gardening club throughout high school, and a greenhouse would benefit the club greatly. 

Perkins has worked hard to lead the construction of the greenhouse himself. 

“The first step was fundraising,” said Perkins. “It came from a mix of donations from the school and sending email requests. After fundraising, we bought the greenhouse and the materials we needed.”

While the building process had gone by well, it had not been without its share of challenges along the way.

“The most challenging part has been the logistics,” said Perkins. “It’s a large-scale construction project, which means I have to plan out all the steps and organize everything. “

Along with wanting to benefit the Greenhills community with the greenhouse, Perkins had an additional motivation for its construction.

“I’ve been a Scout for nine years now,” Perkin said. “Being an Eagle Scout consists of doing leadership in your troop, and doing a service project led by yourself and your community.

An Eagle Scout is the highest rank in the Boy Scouts of America program. Perkins’ pursuit of this honor through the greenhouse project not only reflects his personal commitment but also sets an inspiring example for his peers and the wider Greenhills community.

Science department chair Catherine Renaud has been overseeing Perkins’ project and forming her own visions for the greenhouse.

“We could germinate seeds ahead of time using this greenhouse, maybe planting flowers with the service department,” said Renaud. “The middle schoolers and upper schoolers could use it during free time.”

Renaud believed that the greenhouse comes with many opportunities for students and the school community. 

“The science department will definitely use the greenhouse,” said Renaud. “We can utilize it and open it up to the general faculty and the classes.”

Renaud is not only excited for the science community at Greenhills to benefit from this greenhouse, but she is grateful for the work Perkins has done.

“I love the greenhouse,” said Renaud. “Jacob is so invested in it and he is giving back to the community. He could do anything for his Eagle Scout project but he’s doing something to benefit the school. I admire Jacob for thoughtfully doing something he is passionate about.”

Perkins has had a great deal of support while accomplishing this project, a large amount from his parents. Lauren Oshman, Perkins’ mother, felt a sense of pride regarding Perkins’ achievement. 

“It was exciting when he proposed the idea of the greenhouse,” said Oshman. “I was excited that he had his own idea. It was different than other Eagle Scout projects, and I liked that it was something that other people could enjoy.”

Oshmnan had many remarks about the strenuous but satisfactory process.

“Jacob has been supported through the whole project, but he has done all the groundwork himself,” said Oshman. “Jacob’s vision was very clear. From asking permission from the school to doing fundraising, along with all the planning and budgeting. The whole organizational effort and fundraising was months and months of effort, and it was all Jacob.”

Perkins is a determined and focused person, which is said by everybody who has supported him throughout his Eagle Scout project journey.

“Jacob is someone that if he sets his mind to something, he’ll do it,” said Oshman. “That’s what he did with the greenhouse.”