Boy Scout Troop 315 Honors Their Latest Eagle Scout

NEWTOWN SQUARE–It may have been John Blaisse's day, but he made sure he greeted every single guest at his awards ceremony on Sunday, June 13. This young Newtown Square resident has been vital to his troop and the community. Blaisse appeared gracious and slightly nervous throughout the ceremony honoring him with the title of Eagle Scout.

This particular honor is the highest honor a Boy Scout can achieve and Blaisse was able to achieve this goal a few years before most. Additionally, since 1960, there has only been about 36 Eagle Scouts to come out of Troop 315. In fact, only four out of every 100 scouts will commit themselves to the level of Eagle Scout. Blaisse's level of commitment comes from his encouraging family, supportive troop leaders as well as his own personal drive.

The ceremony, held at the was a wonderful summary of Blaisse's accomplishments. As guests settled into their seats, they were shown a slide show of Blaisse's awards, family photos, and press clips including a certain .

After a brief welcome by Troop Committee Chairman Greg Hislop, Reverend William E. Gorgan gave the invocation. Gorgan is also the uncle and godfather to Blaisse.

The ceremony really kicked off with a presentation by Troop 315 members and Scoutmaster Don Johnson. Johnson gave a brief description of accomplishments, which Blaisse has achieved as a scout. Fellow scouts who explained each milestone as they were received and assisted the presentation by displaying a corresponding emblem they represent.

Throughout his scout career, Blaisse has learned various skills such as leadership, first aid, and other lifesaving skills. He worked toward a few fun experiences like camping. In the end he has received a total of 29 merit badges; something Johnson said was "truly a job well done."

The scouts also acknowledged his parents' influence and participation in Blaisse's achievements by awarding them a pin of honor with their son. Both Blaisse's mother and father are active in various positions within the Scout organization. All three of his younger brothers are also scouts. Blaisse's father Bob shared that the scouts have recently shifted more toward including the entire family in the scout experience. 

"The mother in particular is recognized because of the role she playing in nurturing the scout, letting the scout go off into the outdoors and encouraging the scout, and being the primary teacher of the scout at home," explained Bob.

Hislop expressed this honor may be the highest award for a Scout, but this certainly was not the end. He believed this was more the beginning for Blaisse. These sentiments were also reflected in a letter from Judge George A. Pagano who was also an accomplished Eagle Scout.

The outpour of praises did not stop there. 168th Legislative District State Representative Thomas Killion made a surprise appearance. He said one of his biggest regrets was not sticking with the scouts and attaining Eagle Scout status. Killion also stressed the importance and camaraderie that comes with this title.

Other awards and recognitions included American Legion Post 805, VFW Post 7390, and the Marine Corp League. Newtown police Chief Dennis Anderson recounted working with Blaisse on his "Be Prepared 2 Stop" project. Anderson admitted he didn't realize the initial scale of what Blaisse would accomplish.

"I didn't think you'd get the whole township," he joked. Blaisse did reach his goal with the support of the community and his scout troop.

After Blaisse was presented with all of his awards, he still had one to give out. Blaisse honored Scoutmaster Don Johnson with the Eagle Scout Mentor award, which caught Johnson by surprise.

"It's [mentor award] always shocking to me. I'm the gruff guy that yells at them on camping trips when they're acting up," he explained. He also shared he wasn't shocked by Blaisse becoming an Eagle Scout.

"I've always identified him as driven. He was always looking to do something. If I needed a volunteer, John was first," Johnson said.

Despite being awarded the highest honor in the scouts, Blaisse shows no sign of taking a break. He is looking forward to camping with his troop this summer.