Hermosa project spearheaded by high school sophomore

Connor Bushman, a 15-year-old sophomore at Douglas High School, recently completed, with the help of his father, Dave Bushman, his Eagle Scout Project, a playground at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Hermosa.

In his confirmation letter last October, Connor asked permission and support from the church, saying, “I have found that setting goals is important to me as it provides purpose to my life. I always wanted to play the trumpet. Little did I realize that playing the trumpet and acolyting, plus participating in DOG (Disciples of God) Night would bond me to this church.

“Today, I would like to share another one of my goals with you, because it also affects this church. To achieve my Eagle Scout badge, I would like to spearhead a playground for the children at Our Savior’s Lutheran.”

Connor’s plan was to design and build it with his dad. He said in his letter, “I hope to achieve this goal and believe that it can strengthen my Christian commitment and provide an even stronger bond to this church.”

He met with the church council, which voted to accept the project. At the time Connor wrote his letter, his dad, a major at Ellsworth Air Force Base, was deployed to Aghanistan on medical assignment as an instructor to upgrade nurses’ care in hospitals.

While his dad was deployed, Connor, with the assistance of church council members, focused on fundraising efforts. He indicates his goal was $7,000, because he anticipated that would be the cost of commercial playground equipment. This goal was reached through shared proceeds and tip jars at the Rushmore Crossing Pizza Ranch, scrap iron and recycling projects, contributions from Hermosa organizations and private donations.

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