By Cheryl Conway
Students at Sandshore Elementary School in Budd Lake are returning to school this fall with a new sensory wall that will encourage hands-on learning, creativity and inclusion thanks to a local Eagle Scout and his project.
For Akash Gopal, earning the rank of Eagle Scout wasn’t just about completing a final requirement—it was about creating something meaningful. The 18-year-old Mt. Olive resident and recent graduate of Mt. Olive High School, designed, funded and led the construction of the new sensory wall.
With the help of about 20 other scouts—ranged 11 to 17 years old—and volunteers from his Troop 249, in Budd Lake, under Scoutmaster Day Dwyer, Gopal’s project is now complete, making sense as to how all if his hard work will pay off for years to come.
“The sensory wall gives students a fun, interactive learning space that allows for sensory development and creativity for younger children,” says Gopal. “It will continue to benefit children for many years and supports students of all abilities.”
Involved in Scouting for the past 10 years, Gopal started in Troop 312 and later moved to Troop 249 to complete his journey as an Eagle Scout on June 4. He is proud to have completed the Sensory Board Project before taking flight to Purdue University this fall.
Planning for his began in late 2025; construction and installation of the permanent wall was completed in June, he details.
“The project was completed with the support of Troops 249 and 312, along with many generous donors and volunteers,” he says. “The project required several months of planning and fundraising, along with approximately 85+ volunteer hours to complete.”
The creation of a sensory wall for Sandshore Elementary School “gives students, especially those with sensory processing needs and other special needs, a hands-on way to dive into interactive activities,” describes Gopal. “I planned and managed different stages of the project, including fundraising, budgeting, purchasing materials, organizing volunteers and looking over the construction processes of the wall.”
When he realized that the school was lacking a hands-on-tool for all students, Gopal brainstormed to create his project.
“I have always enjoyed working with children through volunteering and mentoring,” says Gopal. “When I noticed that none of the elementary schools in my town had a sensory wall, I wanted to create something that would make a lasting difference for students, especially those with special needs.”
Gopal is so thankful for all the support of his Scouts, volunteers and community.
“I was supported by fellow Scouts from Troops 249 and 312, my family, friends, adult leaders, generous donors, Sandshore Elementary School and Superintendent Mrs. Bangia,” he says. “Funding was generously provided through donations and support from Sandshore Elementary School.
“The project has been completed, and I am grateful for the tremendous support from the community, donors, volunteers, and everyone who contributed their time and resources,” he adds.
“I would like to thank everyone who supported this project, especially my fellow Scouts, Scout leaders, family, friends, donors, volunteers and the staff at Sandshore Elementary School,” he says. “Their encouragement and support made this project possible, and I am honored to leave behind something that will benefit future generations of students.”
While the sensory wall will serve students for years to come, the experience also left a lasting impression on Gopal.
“Completing this project was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life,” realizes Gopal. “It taught me valuable lessons in leadership and teamwork. Knowing that the sensory wall will positively impact children for years to come makes all of the hard work worth it.
“I was so happy when the school reached out to me saying how the children would use the board during their breaks and it was working well,” he concludes.
