Community Project: Paver Construction for Berwyn Fire Department in September 2025
Our students proudly partnered with the Berwyn Fire Department in Chester County, PA, to design and construct a commemorative paver installation at their new building site.
As part of our mission to connect STEM learning with community service, students from Keystone STEM Alliance and Blast Robotics Team 10989 undertook a real-world engineering challenge — the Paver Construction Project for the Berwyn Fire Department in Chester County, PA.
The initiative was led by Virat Ponugoti, Co-Captain of Blast Robotics, who also directed this project as part of his Eagle Scout Service Project. Under his leadership, students, scouts, and community mentors collaborated to design, plan, and construct a commemorative paver area at the fire department’s new facility — honoring local first responders and strengthening ties between youth, civic leaders, and the engineering community.
Project Overview
Launched in September 2025, this project embodied the spirit of applied STEM learning and civic engagement. It provided hands-on experience in project management, engineering design, and teamwork, while fostering leadership and service among students and scouts.
Key Phases and Activities
1. Project Identification & Sponsorship
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The idea originated during community brainstorming sessions focused on local impact projects.
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Virat identified the Berwyn Fire Department as a potential partner and developed the concept for a functional and aesthetic paver installation.
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The team secured community sponsorships from Eadeh Enterprises, Isolite Corporation, and several local families to cover materials and logistics.
2. Project Planning & Design
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Virat and his peers developed a detailed layout plan, materials list, and project timeline, guided by mentors from both Keystone STEM Alliance and the Scouting community.
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Students applied core engineering principles — load distribution, drainage planning, and measurement accuracy — while ensuring compliance with safety and aesthetic standards.
3. Procurement & Material Management
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Materials including paver stones, gravel, sand, and compaction tools were sourced locally.
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Sponsors contributed materials and transportation support, helping the team manage the project within budget.
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Students learned about procurement, supplier coordination, and cost efficiency.
4. Coordination with Fire Department Officers
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Virat and the planning team met with Berwyn Fire Department officials to review the layout and secure site access.
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Safety measures and timelines were aligned with the department’s schedule to minimize disruption.
5. Mobilization of Scouts and Volunteers
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Virat organized and led Scout Troop volunteers alongside robotics team members, dividing them into work groups for excavation, leveling, and installation.
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Mentors supervised the use of tools and equipment, ensuring both safety and skill development.
6. Execution & Quality Control
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The team prepared the site by leveling the base, compacting gravel, and laying the pavers in uniform alignment.
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Quality checks were performed at each stage to ensure durability and finish.
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Students learned to adapt to real-world challenges such as uneven ground and time constraints — building resilience and teamwork.
7. Site Clearance & Completion
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After installation, the area was cleaned, joints were sealed, and the final inspection was conducted with Fire Department officers.
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The completed paver installation now serves as a lasting symbol of youth leadership and community collaboration.
Learning Outcomes
This project offered valuable lessons in:
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Engineering Design & Construction Management
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Leadership, Team Coordination, and Accountability
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Procurement, Logistics, and Budget Control
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Community Engagement and Civic Responsibility
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Quality Control, Safety, and Sustainability Practices
A Message of Gratitude
We extend our sincere appreciation to the Berwyn Fire Department for their partnership, and to all the sponsors, mentors, scouts, and students who contributed to this success.
A special acknowledgment to Virat Ponugoti, whose leadership and dedication transformed this idea into a meaningful community project — one that beautifully reflects the values of both FIRST Robotics and Scouting.
This hands-on project gave students real-world experience in planning, construction, teamwork, and civic engagement, while honoring our local first responders.
Summer Robotics Program – August 2025
In August 2025, we launched our first Robotics Summer Program, educating 13 students from 5th to 9th grade in foundational robotics, coding, and teamwork.
Through workshops and demonstrations, students learned how engineering meets creativity. The program also successfully raised over $8,000 in community support for our FRC Team 10989, helping us invest in essential tools, components, and mentorship opportunities for the upcoming season.