Riverhead HS grad builds recycling bins for athletic fields

Anthony Mammina — a 2013 Riverhead High School graduate that saved a fellow runner suffering an asthma attack at a cross country meet during his senior year — recently built recycling bins for his alma mater as part of an Eagle Scout project.

Mr. Mammina constructed four wooden recycling bins for the high school’s athletic fields in an effort to earn an Eagle Scout badge, which is the highest honor a Boy Scout can achieve, school district spokeswoman Sandra Kolbo said in a press release.

The district’s recycling program is expected to expand to Pulaski Street School and the middle school next year with the help of teachers Tim Paige and Jill Tapper, Ms. Kolbo said.

Mr. Mammina, who also participated in the NJROTC program, was competing in the Suffolk County Coaches Invitational in September 2012 when he found another runner from a different school lying on the ground unconscious after suffering an asthma attack. While other runners ran past the fallen competitor, Mr. Mammina — who overcame a seizure disorder to run in track meets across the country — stopped to help the teen.

Mr. Mammina credits his experience with the Boy Scouts to helping him save the runner’s life, Ms. Kolbo said.