By Steve Svetovich

The Lackawanna Blind Association was fortunate to have Geoffrey Pizutto, a junior at Scranton Prep, to help build a sign as part of his Eagle Scout project.

The Scranton Prep junior, as part of his project, built a sign in front of the property in downtown Scranton.

He designed the sign which was approved by the Blind Assiciation and Boy Scout Troop 66, Dunmore.

To complete the project, Geoffrey had to raise money through local businesses who donated material items and money.

Once materials were purchased, he went about assembling the signs. The hard working junior used genuine power tools, some which he needed to learn how to operate.

After the sign was built, he and the helpers managed landscaping and other needed duties.

The sign was built at the Lackawanna Blind Association in downtown Scranton across from  the Lackawanna County Courthouse.

Son of Geoffrey and Rose Pizzuto, the Scranton Prep honor student is a Scout with Troop 66 of Dunmore. He is a member of the Scranton Prep wrestling team and Mock Trial team.

An accomplished jazz pianist, he performed at the Scranton Jazz Festival for the past two years.

“The Blind Association was looking for someone to help out,” said Geoffrey. “I looked at this as an opportunity and I jumped on it.”

Geoffrey has a 3.8 grade point average at Scranton Prep. His best subjects are Latin and Math. But he said his favorite thing to do is play the piano.

“I see it as something I can be doing in the future,” he said.

Geoffrey, well rounded as a student, learned piano from the retired Ray Cramer, Dalton, a classical pianist, and Bill Carter, Clarks Summit, a jazz pianist.

He talked more about his Eagle Scout project.

“I planned it in June, started the work in August and finished in September. I planted myself with the help of other scouts and my parents. It was a big collaborative effort that took three months.

“It felt great to get it done. It felt great to help the community and the Blind Association. There is still a lot left to do to obtain the Eagle Scout rank.

“Being a part of the Boy Scouts has been fantastic for me. I met two of my best friends through the Boy Scouts. The Boy Scouts helped me develop leadership and survivor skills. Joining the Boy Scouts is one of the best decisions I ever made.”

Dominic Pace is the leader of Scout Troop 66, Dunmore. “He is a great guy,” Geoffrey said. “I learned a lot from him.”

Geoffrey performed at the Jazz Camp Crenscenda this past summer as part of the Scranton Jazz Festival.

“My dream is to attend the University of Pennsylvania if I get accepted there. If not, I may go to my mom’s alma mater, Villanova University. I am not sure what I will major in, but I would like to take music as a minor. I may eventually want to go to law school, but would like to always continue with music and see where it takes me.

“Scranton Prep is a great school. I am happy to have the opportunity to go there. I have great classes. There are excellent extra curricular activities. Scranton Prep was a great choice for me.”

Geoffrey, polite and well spoken, credits his parents and others for helping him with the Eagle Scout project. He also credits friends Robert Troy and Bryan Wozniak, his uncle Mark Darbienzo and family friend Ruben Guarneros.

Guarneros is a carpenter who oversaw the project.

“Everybody played a huge part in it,” he said.