Student athletes give back

Penny Burkhart, mother of U.S. Navy SEAL Chad Burkhart, who was killed in an incident involving a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter in 2000, shared a story about members of the Garden Spot High School (GSHS) wrestling team mulching the Chad Burkhart Memorial Park in New Holland on April 29. "While the boys were working hard, a man walking by asked what was happening," Penny relayed. Upon being informed that the GSHS students were members of the wrestling team who had raised money for the Chad Burkhart Memorial Scholarship as well as the park, the man left and returned with a check for the fund.

Chad was a member of the GSHS wrestling team before enlisting in the U.S. Navy in 1993. Scholarship funds are raised by wrestling team members who ask family and friends to pledge a certain amount of money for each time the wrestler pins an opponent. Nearly $3,000 was raised through the pin pledge during the 2023 wrestling season, and over the last three wrestling seasons a total of $7,000 has been raised.

In addition to the scholarship, the money wrestlers raise purchases mulch and helps cover repairs at the playground, which is located adjacent to the Evangelical United Methodist Church, 276 W. Main St., New Holland. This is the third time team members have mulched the park. This year's volunteers were Joe Cruz, Jordan Cruz, Zach Miller, Ryan Miller, Christian Smucker, Jayden Redcay, AJ Vega, Travis Salsgiver, and Matthew Casey and his father, Andrew Casey, along with coaches Zach Martin and Anthony Huber.

The scholarship of at least $500 is given yearly to a graduating GSHS wrestler who meets certain criteria. Financial need, grades, extracurricular activity, and community involvement are all considered in choosing the recipients. Vega was one of the scholarship winners this year, along with Blake Weaver. "Both are outstanding representatives of our school and program," said GSHS wrestling coach Adam Bunting. Each student received $1,000 toward tuition at an accredited post-high school educational institution.

Chad reported for basic training in August of 1994 and then attended gunners mate training until May 1995. He also underwent Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training, completing the program in October 1998. He served with Special Boat Unit 26 in Panama, and he served with SEAL Team TWO at Little Creek, Va. He is buried in the cemetery near the playground.

"Chad gave his life for freedom while serving as a Navy SEAL in Kosovo," said Bunting. "This (mulch project), along with the pin pledge, has been a great way for our student-athletes to give back and serve. We appreciate that it's helping to support a cause that is specifically near and dear to our program heart and tradition."

More information about the scholarship may be found at http://www.gardenspotwrestling.com.