You could say Anthony Jameson “AJ” LaFata is on the trail of history with his eagle scout project to improve the Abraham Baldwin Trail.

A big component of any eagle scout project is that the candidate finds a project that’s meaningful to the scout as well as one that helps the community. In early 2023, AJ, a lover of history, had the benefit of speaking with none other than Guilford’s keeper of municipal history and local lore, Joel Helander, when seeking an idea for a suitable eagle scout project to assist the Guilford community. AJ’s mom, Donna, had the idea to reach out to Helander.

“He was our first meeting. He wanted to know what AJ was interested in, and from there, he suggested a project in North Guilford, which sometimes doesn’t get the same attention some entities in the south of Guilford get,” says Donna.

The conversation landed on the idea of doing something to connect with one of North Guilford’s most famous historical sons, Abraham Baldwin. With the idea of assisting at the eponymous Baldwin Middle School in mind, AJ set up a meeting with Cliff Gurnham, Guilford Public Schools Director of Operations & Facilities, and spoke with the school principal and vice principal. From there, it wasn’t long before the idea of making improvements to enhance the nearby Abraham Baldwin Trail came up.

“They mentioned some of the teachers bring their students out to the trails at the back, for learning purposes or just for fun. I thought that would be something fun for future generations to be able to enjoy,” says AJ.

The semi-circular trail has two entrances. The plan is to build a kiosk for the Bullard Drive public parking and community entranceway, as well as potentially build a new bridge as part of the planned improvements for the trail. The project will also work to enhance and revitalize both the public entrance as well as a student-based entrance behind the school.

The kiosk will not only offer information such as a trail map but will include a plaque that talks about Abraham Baldwin. Born in North Guilford in 1754, Baldwin left at 14, graduated from Yale College, and went on to found the University of Georgia, becoming its first president. In 1785, he was elected to the Continental Congress; and in 1787, he represented Georgia at the Constitutional Convention. He also played a pivotal role in constructing the Connecticut Compromise, a road map to formatting the modern U.S. Congress. In 1799, Baldwin was elected to the U.S. Senate. He died in Washington, D.C., in 1807.

Several years ago, a North Guilford stone monument and plaque dedicated to Baldwin was installed on the side of Great Hill Road, where it still stands. One of AJ’s original eagle scout ideas was to clear a space for parking so that people could consider the information it shares.

“I feel it’s important to highlight some of the people in our community who have lived before, especially Abraham Baldwin, as he hasn’t gotten a lot of recognition,” says AJ.

Currently, AJ is ramping up to get the trail project underway, including fundraising. The funds he hopes to raise will assist with the purchase of lumber for the kiosk, materials, and tools needed to build the appropriate accessories, and food, drinks, and other refreshments for the people who will volunteer their work on the days of the actual construction.

In addition to establishing a GoFundMe page (gofundme.com/f/lafataeagle) to assist with his goal of raising $1,500, AJ has two car wash fundraisers coming up at Palumbo’s Automotive Unlimited, 1099 Boston Post Road. Look for AJ and company awaiting vehicles in need of a good shower on Saturday, July 22, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 19, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

AJ is also working to gather volunteers to help build the kiosk in advance and work at the trail. All of the work is planned to take place in August. He’s scheduled a kiosk pre-building party at his family’s property for Sunday, Aug. 20, followed by a weekend’s work at the trail on Saturday, Aug. 26, and Sunday, Aug. 27 (9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days).

At 17, AJ, an incoming Guilford High School (GHS) senior, is already very familiar with many aspects of basic construction due to his family’s business, LaFata & Son Inc., now in Guilford for 50 years. For this project, in addition to assistance from his mom, AJ knows he’ll have the hands-on assistance of his dad, Anthony, as well as siblings Avery, an incoming GHS junior; Austin, an incoming GHS freshman; and Aleah, entering seventh grade in the fall.

When it comes to putting hammers to nails, AJ is also relying on the help of his scouting peers and alumni of Guilford Troop 472.

“I’ve been a scout since second grade,” says AJ. “I think throughout all the eagle scout projects we’ve done in the troop, everyone has been very helpful. I’m hoping that everyone in the troop is able to come, and I’m also hoping that we have a bunch of other eagle scouts who may be able to come back and help as well.”

Earning scouting’s highest rank has been an aspiration for AJ for about as long as he can recall.

“Since we do own a construction company, me and my dad have always been very involved with the eagle scout projects, especially those that have been labor-intensive,” says AJ. “Seeing all of these other friends of mine reach Eagle, achieve their goal, and set a future for themselves, it’s something that I’ve always wanted to do as well.”

As his troop’s senior patrol leader, the most senior scout in the troop, AJ runs the weekly meetings for the troop. It’s a leadership skill he values.

“I feel like it’s an opportunity to learn more and get out there and learn skills you might not learn in school,” says AJ of scouting and pursuing his eagle scout rank. “It’s also a great opportunity for college. The rank of eagle scout looks pretty good on a resume, and it can open up more opportunities for you.”