Derek Dougherty has been a scout since the 1 ^st grade. He belongs to Boy Scout Troop 159. When Derek began thinking about an Eagle Scout Project, he approached his pastor, Father Stan Barron, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Flanders, to see if there was something he could do for his church. Father Stan told him that he would like to have a Prayer Garden. This discussion started in September of 2018 and the actual planning began the following February. According to his mom, Darlene Dougherty, “Derek was so excited to work on a project like this as it is something everyone could use and he could see every time he went to the church.”

Derek spent the spring and summer designing and building the Prayer Garden which is now complete on the grounds of St. Elizabeth’s. On a recent Sunday morning, Father Stan blessed the garden, with parishioners and Derek’s parents, brother and extended family there to share in his accomplishment. The garden is in a convenient location right behind the church building, directly outside of the classrooms. On the morning of the blessing, the Garden was even being used by one of our teachers to hold her class.  We encourage people to stop by and spend some quiet time in this tranquil location.

Shannon Jones, St.E’s Youth Minister and Confirmation Coordinator knows Derek well. “Not only is Derek an outstanding Scout, he also plays an integral role as a leader in our SPARK Teen Ministry program” says Shannon. “Derek serves on both the Teen Advisory Board and Peer Leader Team and was a key member of our 2019 Mission Team.  I am so proud of Derek and grateful for his continuing leadership in ministry.  With his enthusiasm, kindness, and dedication, Derek's character is top-notch and we are blessed to have him on our team!”

The project took Derek on an amazing journey. It took time to put everything together and push through paperwork with all the Boy Scout committee reviews. During the process, he made so many connections with people/businesses/organizations and has been the recipient of many donations (monetary/product). He has also had many volunteers to assist him with this project.  Derek’s parent’s, Darlene and Scott, say he has grown into an amazing young man, part of which they feel has to do with his commitment to his church and his involvement in Scouts.

Well done Derek, your Eagle Scout project is a gift for St. Elizabeth’s to enjoy for years!