Whiz Kid Eric Jaindl: He's Officially An Eagle Scout after 12 Years of Scouting

● Name: Eric Jaindl, 18
● School/Church: , 12th Grade; St. Thomas United Church of Christ, Bethlehem
● Greatest Accomplishment: Two years ago, when a car hit an old pipe fence at his church, Eric decided to take advantage of the “opportune moment” and began planning what he says is his greatest accomplishment to date, his Eagle Scout project. He decided to replace the fence with a flower and boulder garden. He had to devise a step-by-step plan and present it to multiple committees for approval. Eric spent the summer of 2009 working on the garden with the help of some fellow scouts, family, and friends. He estimated the project would cost $1,199. Thanks to fundraisers at the church and donations, he came out nearly 50 percent under budget with an actual cost of $663.44. Eric says church members are thankful for the garden. “They think it’s a big improvement,” he said. Eric received his Eagle Scout award April 19. His badge ceremony took place June 10 at 7 p.m. at St. Thomas United Church of Christ with his boy scout troop, family, friends, South Whitehall Commissioner Tori Morgan, and State Representative Julie Harhart in attendance. Three days later, Eric graduated from Parkland High School, which he calls his second greatest accomplishment. He will attend Pennsylvania College of Technology for computer aided product design in Fall.
● Key to Awesomeness: His ability to stay calm in serious situations. He also learned to be a strong leader through completing his Eagle Scout project. “There’s a lot of stuff you have to do when you’re in charge of an Eagle Scout project,” Eric said. “There’s a lot of leadership in that.” To finally be an Eagle Scout represents “a lot of hard work” to Eric. “It’s a pretty awesome feeling,” he said.