Homer Alaska - Schools

When Mach gave Johnson several suggestions, including painting a sign, he insisted those projects weren't big enough and he needed something bigger.

That "something" was delivered to Head Start March 12: a six-sided, cedar outdoor picnic and activity table just the right size for Head Start's young clients. In fact, 4-year-old Amber Gilbreath was the first one to sit at the table, confirming it was perfectly sized for the setting.

Before designing the table, Johnson read through binders of information outlining the standards for Head Start equipment. He took an active part in fundraising for the project, helping parent volunteer Donna Brockschmidt and others on Head Start's parent committee organize a garage sale that raised $1,400.

"He helped us raise donated items to sell and he helped us out with advertising as part of his project," Brockschmidt said.

When Johnson secured donated materials for the table from Spenard Builders Supply and Redden Marine, it allowed the parent committee to use more of the garage sale proceeds to benefit Head Start programs, such as swimming lessons. Other help for the table-building project came from D&D Welding Fabricators.

Johnson, 15, belongs to Boy Scout Troop 365. He is narrowing down the remaining steps for achieving Eagle Scout status, and anticipates completing the requirements within the year.

"I'm pretty excited about (the table)," Johnson said. "It was actually pretty fun."

Mach was equally excited about the new piece of furniture.

"This is pretty cool," she said, joining Johnson and Gilbreath at the table.

"We really appreciate all (Johnson) and his family did and are thankful he picked us for his Eagle Scout project," said Brockschmidt, a single mother of four who serves on the board of directors for Rural Cap, the agency that runs Head Start in Homer. "If anyone else in the community wants to do a project like this or volunteer and spend time with the kids, we're more than happy to get any help we can get."