When Alarcon, a senior at Lakota West High School, sought an Eagle Scout project, he thought it would be appropriate to assist a local hospital because he hopes to become a doctor. Why not make a mark where you may one day make your money?
He contacted officials at Atrium Medical Center and was told about its Caregivers Memorial Garden and how they hoped to build a memorial wall in honor of those who worked at Middletown Regional Hospital, the city’s former hospital. That would have flown as an Eagle Scout project for Alarcon, but why build a wall, instead of, say, an arch that encompasses 90-year-old bricks from MRH and 5-year-old bricks from Atrium.
The project, called the MRH Memory Arch, started out with an estimated value of $10,000, but, like most construction projects, has increased to $15,000, “an absolutely massive” project Alarcon said. He solicited area businesses for financial assistance or in-kind donations, and addressed the leadership team at Atrium Medical Center, announcing the project and seeking its support.
By the end of his presentation, John McKinney, director of facilities management and safety officer at Atrium, said people were “running” after Alarcon to give him donations.
Carol Turner, CEO of Atrium, said the arch will be “a meaningful symbol that ties together the past, present and future” of the hospital.
She called Alarcon “a dedicated young man” and his enthusiasm and leadership are “much appreciated and will serve him well in all his future endeavors.”
Alarcon has that impact on people. Several members of Troop 947 of West Chester Twp. recently helped lay bricks at the project. Alarcon’s parents, Walter and and Martha, were there too, capturing every moment on camera.
The Alarcons moved from Peru to the United States in 2003, and Pablo and his sister, Rasaryo, 18, a freshman at Ohio State University, were born in Belgium.
Pablo said it was important for him to tie together the two medical facilities. Without those who dedicated their lives to Middletown Hospital, there never would have been Atrium, he said.
“We owe so much to those who came before us,” Alarcon said, sounding nothing like a typical 17-year-old.
He added that he was “humbled” to lead a project that honored those employees who died while working at the hospital.
“This is the perfect way,” he said of remembering those. “This is bigger than yourself. It’s beyond you.”
He hopes to have the project complete by April 21. It will be 10 feet tall, more than 13 feet wide and be a centerpiece of the hospital’s employee walking trail.
“He goes big,” said McKinney, who called Alarcon “incredible … a top notch person.”
Walter Alarcon isn’t surprised by his son’s success and ambition. He was raised to give back to his community.
“It’s all about the American Dream,” Walter Alarcon said. “We have opportunities here like nowhere else.”
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