Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Pennsylvania man with cerebral palsy awarded rank of Eagle Scout after 25 years of completing merit badges

From UPI:


WILMINGTON, Pa. -- A 66-year-old Pennsylvania man with cerebral palsy is being awarded the rank of Eagle Scout by the Boy Scouts of America after 25 years of effort.

Bill Hartman of Wilmington said it took him 25 years to complete the required 21 merit badges, community service hours and his final project, WPVI-TV, Philadelphia, reported Jan. 20.

Hartman, who in the past competed in the Special Olympics, said he was inspired to finish his Boy Scout rank-climbing by a neighbor who became an Eagle Scout in 2002. He said he hopes his accomplishment will inspire others.

"They can do the same thing if they put their mind to it," Hartman said.