I’ve learned how to communicate better and how to become a better leader, lead people instead of following.”

Trevor Doherty

ELLSWORTH — Trevor Doherty, a 16-year-old Ellsworth High School student, completed his Eagle Scout project by putting up a trail map welcome sign at Cairns Woods as well as some surrounding landscaping.
Doherty joined scouts in kindergarten, and when he graduated from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts, he helped clean up the trails in Cairns Woods as it was just getting off its feet. When it came time for an Eagle Scout project, he originally wanted to do the sign project at Summit Park. With the village currently exploring potential changes at Summit, the time was not quite right for a sign just yet. The village suggested Cairns Woods, and Doherty’s positive memories of the woods began to flood back.
“I love the outdoors, so I wanted something that is outdoors,” Doherty said. “They recommended Cairns Woods, and I said that sounded pretty good.”
The project did not go unnoticed by the community either, as the Village of Ellsworth Facebook page posted the story. Doherty received hundreds of likes and put smiles on the faces of many residents.
“Trevor’s project is a great example of how youth leadership can make a real difference in our community. We’re grateful for his hard work and proud to have his contribution as part of Cairns Woods,” Village President Becky Beissel stated.
Doherty gave a big shoutout to ACE Hardware, Designs by Jill and Reuvers Nursery for giving him discounts to help make the project possible. About 40 people helped him put together the sign and landscaping. He also received $500 in funding from Empower Ellsworth and $500 from the village, providing enough support to make the project happen.
Doherty is involved in 4-H, FFA, trap shooting, football and shows pigs and chickens. Ellsworth is a place that means a lot to him, so to have built something that will last decades is a special feeling.
“It means a lot because it really reflects my love for the outdoors, and how I wanted to have a positive effect on the community,” Doherty said. “It will be long lasting. It won’t just be this generation, it will be generations to come.”
After serving a few terms as senior patrol leader, a role Doherty compared to being the president of a scout group, he has noticed his confidence growing by the day.
“I’ve really improved my leadership skills through scouts. It has put me in new situations,” Doherty said. “I’ve learned how to communicate better and how to become a better leader, lead people instead of following.”
Doherty aims to use the experience from the project to be a positive force in the community.