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Tate High School Student Builds Benches For ESE Department As Eagle Scout Project
July 7, 2025
A Tate High School student’s Eagle Scout project will directly benefiting students with disabilities on campus.
Lawson Killingsworth, dedicated student and Boy Scout with Troop 415 in Pensacola, coordinated the design and construction of specialized benches for Tate’s ESE (Exceptional Student Education) Department. After consulting with ESE teachers to identify their greatest needs, Lawson led a project to build sturdy, durable benches that provide a safe and comfortable waiting area for students who arrive early each morning.
“These benches are incredibly important for our students with significant disabilities who require supervision and often arrive early to school,” said Principal Laura Touchstone. “Lawson’s project ensures they have a safe and welcoming place to wait each morning, supporting their comfort and helping them start the day with a consistent routine.”
To fund the project, Lawson recycled scrap metal to purchase tools and materials. He worked with Wood Specialties Cabinetry to finalize a design and coordinated construction workdays with troop members, adult leaders, and volunteers. The benches were built to be heavy-duty and tip-resistant, with adjustable leveling pads to accommodate uneven surfaces and under-bench storage to keep walkways clear of obstacles. Each bench was finished with over six layers of paint for durability and easy cleaning.
In addition to completing the benches, Lawson donated his remaining project funds, totaling $281, to the ESE Department’s community-based instruction program. This donation will support students as they build communication and money management skills in real-world settings such as local grocery stores.
“We are incredibly grateful for Lawson’s thoughtfulness, attention to detail, and hard work,” Touchstone said. “He is an outstanding example of servant leadership, and we are so proud to have him as part of the Tate Aggie family.”
Comments
7 Responses to “Tate High School Student Builds Benches For ESE Department As Eagle Scout Project”
It’s one thing to take on a job to “get it done.” It’s another thing to complete a job excellently. Great work, Mr. Killingsworth.
Congratulations Lawson for your hard work and ethics to reach the goal of Eagle Scout ! The project you chose really turned out great..it was needed by those students but you went over and above to make those benches look so nice I love the paint and logo..Kudos from a fellow Aggie..Class of 70
Excellent Eagle project, Lawson,…your kindness and service to your fellow classmates carried out through your planning stage to completeness shows determination in achieving a set goal. I love to read positive accounts of our young folks.
Great job Lawson and kudos to you to those who took the time to help. I feel certain that from fund raising to completion the project was very time consuming. You and others like you are need for our nations future
Amazing and gorgeous, Lawson! Very impressive talent! You’ve done such a great job with that wonderful, big loving heart. God bless you!
The world needs more young men like Lawson. Thank you for your thoughtfulness and contribution.
Congratulations Lawson for obtaining the rank of Eagle Scout and for the awesome project you designed and constructed.