Patch Whiz Kid: John Blaisse

Radnor Patch occasionally features  kids, youth groups, teens, and  sports teams that wow us with their accomplishments. Archbishop Carroll student John Blaisse is being featured because he is one of the youngest scouts in his troop's history to reach the rank of Eagle Scout before the age of 18.

Patch Whiz Kid: John Blaisse

Whiz Kid's Age: 16

Whiz Kid's Hometown: Newtown Square

Whiz Kid's School: Archbishop Carroll High School

Whiz Kid's Accomplishment: John is one of the youngest scouts in his troop's history to reach the rank of Eagle Scout before the age of 18. For his Eagle Scout project, John developed "Be Prepared 2 Stop," where he added reflectors to all of the stop signs in Newtown Township. He led this hometown fundraiser to retrofit all 258 stop signs with sign post reflectors, making the township safer for residents, pedestrians and drivers.

To achieve the high rank of Eagle Scout, John earned at least 21 merit badges and demonstrated scout spirit as well as completing an extensive service project. As an Eagle Scout, John was presented with a medal and a badge in a ceremony on June 12 by the Scout Leaders of Boy Scout Troop 315. He is the first scout to make Eagle Scout in nearly two years.

The Newtown Board of Supervisors passed a resolution at a special meeting on June 1 to recognize John's achievements and commended his accomplishments to reach the rank of Eagle Scout. The resolution was read during his ceremony on June 12.

Whiz Kid's Key to Awesomeness: Since his time as a cub scout to a boy scout, John said his experience with the boy scouts have created long-lasting friendships and memories.

"I started cub scouts in the first grade with a bunch of my friends," explained John on how he first joined the organization. "We just decided to do this as being friends and being together, and it really strengthened our friendship that much more. We really liked the camping out aspect of it, receiving badges and the summer camps."

John said one of the things he always looks forward to is the summer camps the boy scouts offer. This year will mark his fifth consecutive summer camp with Troop 315.

Another favorite project of his with the troop is scouting for food. "We go to homes in the township and send out word about collecting cans of food and the food drive for in Broomall. Just going around town–that's really fun."

But the project that will likely be the most memorable for John is his Eagle Scout project "Be Prepared 2 Stop," where he received donations from the community to other Troop 315 members all across the nation, including South Carolina and Colorado.

Admittedly, John said he wasn't sure how the community would receive his project and aimed with a modest goal of getting 50 reflectors last September to post on the stop signs throughout Newtown Township. What he received far exceeded his expectations.

"I was very overwhlemed, in a good way, to how well it was received," said John about being able to post reflectors on all the stop signs in the township. "At first, I wasn't sure how it was going to be received, but we had different people help out and received so much support from the community."

During his Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremony, John said he looks forward to receiving handwritten letters sent by political officials and dignitaries personally congratulating him on his achievement.

Though he's technically obliged as an Eagle Scout to advance future scouting, whether it's donating to a nearby troop or getting their own children involved, John said he hopes to still be involved in the Boy Scouts of America regardless.

"I'd love to become an assistant scout master when I'm out in college," said John.
"I would love to continue to be involved with the Boy Scouts. Being a part of the Boy Scouts, it has really taught me about teamwork, unity and helping others. You have a special connection with these people in your troop."

Editor's note: Email sam.strike@patch.com to nominate a Whiz Kid.