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Blake Leardini of Ulm and a member of Troop 1004, Great Falls, became an Eagle Scout on July 7th, 2023. Eagle Scout is the highest rank achievement attainable in the Scouts BSA (Boy Scouts of America) program. Since the award's inception in 1912 only 4 percent of scouts have earned this rank. Earning the Eagle Scout rank carries with it a special significance. It signifies that a scout has fulfilled requirements in the areas of character development, citizenship training and personal fitness, as well as leadership, service and outdoor skills. An Eagle Scout also pledges to uphold these standards for the rest of his life.

Merit badges are one of the requirements to advance in scouting, both for rank advancement and personal interest. A minimum of 21 merit badges are required, of which 14 are mandatory to the Eagle Scout rank. These include First Aid, Camping, Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in the Nation, Citizenship in the World, Citizenship in Society, Communication, Cooking, Personal Fitness, Personal Management, Family Life and a choice between Emergency Preparedness or Lifesaving; Cycling, Hiking or Swimming; and Environmental Science or Sustainability. Blake earned a total of 28 merit badges!

In addition to merit badges a scout must plan, develop and give leadership to an "Eagle Scout Service Project". This project is meant to benefit any religious institution, school or community in which the scout lives. One of the primary purposes of the Eagle Scout Service Project is to demonstrate and develop the Scout's leadership skills. Blake's Eagle Scout Service Project was the "Ulm Cemetery Gate Replacement". He noticed a need to have a sign and a better-looking entrance gate for the cemetery so he chose to combine the two. In addition to 60 hours of community service, the result is a beautiful new entrance to the cemetery and something that helps give greater reverence to the site. Of the project Blake says, "My Eagle Project taught me a lot. It gave me the opportunity to work with people I didn't know and to use my leadership skills. It also gave me the opportunity to give back to my community".

Blake also wishes to thank and give credit to everyone that donated and helped with this worthwhile project: Pacific Steel and Recycling (donated the steel for the gate), Fairhaven Colony (assisted in welding, design, and the donation of additional materials), The Ulm Cemetery Association for allowing him to do the project, and his family and friends for helping with the planning and installation of the gate.

In recognition of his achievement, Blake will be honored at his Eagle Scout Court of Honor on October 28th at 4 pm at the Ulm School Gymnasium.