Johnson a student-athlete enhances community with Scout project, installing benches on SCC’s Nature Trail

Published on Nov 26, 2024

Kaden Johnson, a senior at Somerset Christian School and a local soccer and tennis player, is giving back to the Somerset community through his Boy Scout community service project. This initiative will contribute to his journey to achieve Eagle Scout status by building and installing nine benches along the nature trail at Somerset Community College (SCC).

Johnson, who has already earned 40 college credit hours while still in high school, is also a dual credit student at Somerset Community College. He has participated in various events on SCC’s campus, including Kids Kollege, where he served both as a participant and a volunteer. He also enjoys playing tennis with his teammates and family and has spent time playing disc golf on the nature trail located on the festival field at SCC.

“I have always loved the nature trail, especially leading kids on the trail during Earth Day events,” Johnson said. “I frequently visited the area and saw many people bringing their lawn chairs. There was one bench on the entire trail, and I wanted to meet a need with my community project. It was time for me to give back to this special spot.”

As part of his project, Johnson needed to seek financial support, which initially felt daunting. “Without Dr. Castle, the president of SCC, this project would not have come together as it did,” Johnson said. “Jeff Brickley (SCC Fitness Center Coordinator) also helped me with the paperwork and obtaining the necessary approvals.” 

Each bench is made from polyresin, a material designed for durability, ensuring that the community can enjoy these benches for years to come. Nine benches was a big goal, but Johnson met the needs of the community.

Johnson intends to play soccer in college and has already received two scholarship offers from Alice Lloyd College and Campbellsville University. While he has not yet decided where he will attend, his goal is to study kinesiology and pursue a physical therapy assistant (PTA) degree.

Johnson expressed gratitude for the opportunity to address a need in the community, stating, "Each time I visit, I see people using the benches in some way,” Johnson said. “It makes me happy because I am helping others and I met a need that may not have happened otherwise.”

“I’m proud of Kaden for taking on this initiative and helping improve our campus community,” Dr. Castle said. “SCC’s Nature Trail is widely used and these benches are a great addition.” 

Johnson's project reflects his commitment to service and community engagement, something we all can learn from this holiday season.