Berkeley Heights Teen Restores Forgotten Revolutionary War Cemetery for Gold Award

Molly Altman, a senior at the Academy for Allied Health Sciences and a Girl Scout for 12 years, was honored with a proclamation from Mayor Angie Devanney and the Berkeley Heights Township Council at last Tuesday's meeting. Altman's recognition celebrates her Girl Scout Gold Award project—a two-year effort to restore and document a Revolutionary War cemetery, working to raise awareness of the condition of historical burial grounds and honor forgotten patriots.

Union County Life covers Berkeley Heights student achievement, civic engagement, and community recognition across all 21 Union County municipalities.

The Girl Scout Gold Award

Altman received her Gold Award from the Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey on May 19 and was recognized with a ceremony held by the Chatham Service Unit on May 27. The Gold Award represents the highest honor in Girl Scouting. Fewer than 2 percent of Girl Scouts earn the Gold Award, placing Altman among an exceptional cohort of young leaders who complete rigorous projects with lasting community and environmental impact.

Altman's project spanned two years from planning through execution—a substantial commitment demonstrating dedication to service, research, and historical preservation.

"Honoring the Lost": Cemetery Restoration Project

For her project titled "Honoring the Lost," Altman restored the Schenck-Covenhoven Cemetery, a Revolutionary War burial ground that had become overgrown and unrecognizable. Before she started, the site was overgrown and deteriorated, representing a broader pattern of neglected historical cemeteries.

Altman coordinated with the township to have fallen trees removed, clearing the way for a full day of cleanup work on November 15, 2025, that drew an estimated 20 to 30 adults and 15 children. The community turnout demonstrated how Altman's leadership mobilized local participation in historical preservation.

A dedication ceremony honoring the patriots buried at the site followed on November 16, 2025, creating a formal recognition of the cemetery's historical significance and the restoration effort.

Historical Research and Documentation

Altman researched and documented the lives of those interred at the cemetery, writing short essays on each of the Revolutionary War patriots using records held by the Daughters of the American Revolution. Her biographical essays transformed the cemetery from an unmarked, overgrown site into a documented historical record.

The essays are accessible through a QR code posted at the cemetery, on the Holmdel Historical Society's website, and in the DAR's archives. Digital access ensures that future visitors and researchers can learn the stories of the patriots buried there.

Personal Connection to the Project

Altman chose this cemetery because she is a direct descendant of Revolutionary War patriots buried there, including Garret Schenck and his mother Jeanette Schenck, who served as a medic and paid taxes supporting the Revolution. Personal ancestry connected Altman to the historical significance of the site and motivated her two-year commitment to restoration and documentation.

This genealogical connection transformed the project from academic exercise into personal family history—a meaningful motivation for the extensive research and community coordination required.

Future Plans and Broader Impact

Altman plans to study neurology or neuropsychology in college along with creative writing. She performs with a local community theater group outside of school and scouting, demonstrating multifaceted interests and talents.

Her Gold Award project reflects a commitment to historical preservation, community engagement, and civic responsibility—qualities that will carry forward into her college studies and future career. Her work demonstrates how young people can identify neglected community assets and mobilize resources and research to address them.

Municipal Recognition and Community Pride

The Berkeley Heights Township Council's proclamation recognizes Altman's achievement and honors her dedication to historical preservation and community service. The proclamation elevates Altman's project into municipal record and reflects Berkeley Heights' appreciation for young residents engaged in civic and historical work.

For Berkeley Heights families and students, Altman's example demonstrates the potential for meaningful projects and the pathways available to young people seeking to make a difference in their communities and beyond.

Find more Berkeley Heights student achievement, civic engagement, and community recognition on Union County Life.

FAQ

Q: What is the Girl Scout Gold Award?
A: The highest honor in Girl Scouting, earned by fewer than 2% of Girl Scouts. It recognizes completion of a rigorous project with lasting community or environmental impact.

Q: Who is Molly Altman?
A: A senior at Academy for Allied Health Sciences and Girl Scout of 12 years who received her Gold Award for a two-year cemetery restoration project.

Q: What was Molly's Gold Award project?
A: "Honoring the Lost"—restoration and documentation of the Schenck-Covenhoven Cemetery, a Revolutionary War burial ground in Holmdel.

Q: What did the project involve?
A: Cemetery cleanup, removal of fallen trees, community volunteer work day (November 15), dedication ceremony (November 16), and research/biographical essays on buried Revolutionary War patriots.

Q: How many people participated in the cleanup?
A: An estimated 20-30 adults and 15 children participated in the November 15 cleanup day.

Q: How can people access the cemetery biographies?
A: Essays are accessible through a QR code at the cemetery, the Holmdel Historical Society website, and the Daughters of the American Revolution archives.

Q: Why did Molly choose this cemetery?
A: She is a direct descendant of Revolutionary War patriots buried there, including Garret Schenck and Jeanette Schenck (a Revolutionary War medic).

Q: Has Berkeley Heights recognized Molly's achievement?
A: Yes. Mayor Angie Devanney and the Township Council honored her with a proclamation at an August 2026 meeting.