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Special Needs Scout Overcomes Challenges, Becomes First to Earn Eagle in Troop

Troop 117 Scoutmaster Rich Gambrill, Eagle Scout Nicholas Heuchan and Pack 304 Cubmaster Tom Ernst. (photo via Lauren Amberman, The Avenue News)
Troop 117 Scoutmaster Rich Gambrill, Eagle Scout Nicholas Heuchan and Pack 304 Cubmaster Tom Ernst. (photo via Lauren Amberman, The Avenue News)

“Nicholas has touched so many lives, not just in Scouting,” said Nicholas’ father John Heuchan to The Avenue News in Baltimore, Md. And he’s right – not only is this Scout making a difference in his community, he’s also breaking boundaries for other children across the US who are battling Juvenile Batten Disease, a fatal genetic disorder.

But despite his condition and subsequent blindness, Nicholas Heuchan earned the first Eagle Scout rank in Troop 117 and did it all a month before his 18th birthday. Nicholas is a member of a special needs troop were members are not restricted to earning Eagle within the usual time frame of 18 years old. Yet he did it anyway, with the help of a strong support system and a little creativity.

Read the full story on this incredible new Eagle Scout and learn how Nicholas made a difference in his community and made his dreams come true.

 

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Hayley

Hayley Cordaro is a communications specialist at the Boy Scouts of America. She loves sharing inspiring success stories and uncovering new ways volunteers and employees can make the most of their Scouting experience. If you have story ideas or questions, reach out to us at communications@scouting.org.