KALIHI (KHON2) — When was the last time you thought about the bench you’re sitting on?
Chances are, probably never.
But at Damien Memorial School, those benches might just have a deeper story than you’d expect.
Matthew James Parker’s recent project has left a lasting impact on the school community.
Matthew, 17, spent a staggering 150 hours over six weeks on a project that would test both his patience and resilience.
Is woodworking his hobby? Far from it.
“Pressure-treated lumber was my biggest new enemy,” the Pearl City resident joked.
His mission is to provide essential seating options for students at Damien Memorial School by constructing four wooden benches — a task he had never attempted before.
“I remember one morning, walking into the garage with my dad, and seeing two of the benches completely warped,” Matthew recalled. “The wood was twisted; they couldn’t be used at all.”
Hours of hard work, squeezed in between basketball and volleyball practices, seemed to be slipping away. Yet, quitting was never an option for Matthew.
“It was really discouraging at first,” said Tim Parker, Matthew’s father, reflecting on the setback. “But he picked himself up. ‘This is what we’ve got to do,’ he said. ‘We can’t give them a bench that won’t be usable.’”
Starting anew, Matthew’s perseverance paid off. The four finished benches not only met the school’s needs but also helped Matthew achieve the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout, a distinction earned by fewer than six percent of Scouts nationwide.
Matthew joined the Cub Scouts at age 7 and has been a part of the Boy Scouts of America organization, soon to be renamed Scouting America.
“It’s like a representation of all that time and work,” Matthew said. “It shows that everything I put into it did pay off, something I’ll have for the rest of my life,”
These handmade benches now sit in the Damien Memorial School chapel, offering sturdy support for moments of reflection and prayer.
Interestingly, there’s no plaque honoring their creator.
For Matthew, the spotlight isn’t his style; he finds fulfillment in quietly making a difference through hard work.
“Trust me, there were times when I wondered if it was worth it,” Matthew admitted. “But in the end, it does pay off. It’s something I can look back on for the rest of my life.”