By JESSICA HARDING
Staff Writer
HAZLET — Anyone who drives by the Cullen Center on Union Avenue might see a new menorah lit up on the front lawn.
On the evening of Dec. 10, friends, family and fellow Boy Scouts joined Eagle Scout Maxwell Rothman in the lighting of a menorah that he guided in an effort to be built.
The 15-year-old Raritan High School student wanted to do his Eagle Scout project on something that would help the community and demonstrate leadership to his fellow Troop 137 members.
“The idea for the project came from the Recreation Department,” Rothman explained. “I asked them what was needed, and they said we could use a new menorah in town. That was when I got to work.”
According to Rothman’s fellow Boy Scouts, he was always someone who gave his all to every task he was assigned.
His friend James Simone said Rothman is one of the most hardworking people he knows.
“I never saw Maxwell not give 100 percent to something,” he said. “We worked together on a project for the Technology Student Association, and we had to work on a house using a computer program. He would dedicate several hours a day until the project was finished.”
As described by Rothman, he started designing the project on paper in July. After gaining approval, he modeled it using a 3-D program. The last weekend in October was when the building process began.
He received donations from Lowes in Hazlet, Jersey Mike’s Subs in Hazlet and Dyke’s Lumber in Aberdeen.
Rothman was able to give directions to his troop and several adults who all helped to make the building of the menorah a success.
Boy Scout Brady Lowrey explained that it did not take the boys long to complete the project.
“Under Maxwell’s leadership, the project took about two days to complete.”
In addition to his troop, Rothman’s family is extremely proud of him. His mother Marci, father Larry, sister Heather and brother Bryan watched as his project came to life.
Bryan could not be happier for his little brother.
“I was an Eagle Scout also. It is truly amazing watching my little brother following my footsteps. He has accomplished so much.”
Rothman’s mother could not stop smiling.
“We are so proud of him. This was a big undertaking, and he pulled it through. He was taught designing and to see it come to fruition is incredible. He is our second Eagle Scout to be proud of.”
Watching all of his hard work come to life made Rothman’s face light up.
“This is an amazing feeling. To see the idea go from paper to real life is an awesome experience,” he said.
The menorah lighting was followed by a holiday party where the scouts, family and friends celebrated the menorah and the holiday season.