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Eagle Scout Project puts USA map on playground
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Jonathan Amaral, 17, at center, led members of his Boy Scout Troop 422 on his Eagle Scout project painting a map of the U.S. on the playground hardtop of George McParland Elementary School. Flanking Jonathon are Trenton Avery, 12, left, and Tyler Davis, 12. In the back are Daniel Lorentz, 17, and Scoutmaster Bill Lorentz. - photo by GLENN KAHL

Jonathan Amaral has definitely left his mark on the George McParland Elementary School with a map of the United States on the playground.

Amaral, 17, led members of Scout Troop 422 in painting the 48 continental states in various colors on the asphalt of his former elementary school.  The project included organizing a fundraiser to purchase supplies drawing funds from two car washes the teen organized.

A number of the Scouts that volunteered their time and efforts in the map project were former students at McParland and some current students.  At one time the school was the troop’s meeting place.

Jonathon’s mother Sandra lauded the Scouts as being very dedicated on a warm day that proved very difficult to paint the fast-drying colors onto the hot surface.

McParland Principal Dale Borgeson was reportedly very pleased with the addition of the map and said it was indicative of good leadership within the troop.

The troop meets Wednesday nights at 6:45 p.m. at the American Legion Hall in the 200 block of East Yosemite Avenue.  Scoutmaster Bill Lorentz welcomes telephone calls from anyone wanting more information on scouting in Manteca in his hopes to expand his troop.  His number is (209) 858-5957.