Holmdel Eagle Scout Created Internet Cafe for Jobseekers

Scott Laurence Blechman, 15, of Holmdel, has earned the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest advancement award the Boy Scouts of America offers to Scouts. He is a member of Boy Scout Troop 331.

For his Eagle Project, Scott planned and led the upgrade of computer technology at Lunch Break in Red Bank, an organization committed to alleviating hunger and providing basic necessities to community members in need.

The project, which took place over a period of six months, required Scott to lead a team of approximately 15 other scouts and students to procure donations of computer equipment, set-up 10 laptops and several desktop computers on the Lunch Break network and develop training materials for Lunch Break staff and clients.

In addition to improving Lunch Break’s ability to track fundraising, volunteer hours and client visits, Scott’s team also created an Internet Café where community members can now search for housing and employment.

According to Gwendolyn O. Love, Executive Director of Lunch Break, Scott’s project has provided important assistance and resources for individuals who otherwise would not have access to a computer or the internet.

“Clients now line up at the internet Café to do research, look for jobs and learn a second language”, said Ms. Love, “Scott and his team have opened up the world via the internet for many needy adults."

Scott is one of approximately 4 percent of all Boy Scouts who attain the Eagle rank. An Eagle candidate must earn 21 merit badges, hold several leadership positions and successfully complete a community project that requires a detailed project plan and evidence of leading and managing others in order to meet the objectives of the project.

In 2009, Scott served a one-year term as the Senior Patrol Leader for 50 boys in Troop 331. He has spent several summers at Monmouth Council’s Forestburg Scout Reservation and participated in numerous scouting trips which have helped him earned merit badges including Emergency Preparedness, First Aid, Environmental Science, Citizenship in the Community, Nation and World, Personal Management and Fitness, Family Life, Communications, Biking and Camping. 

In June, 2010, Scott was the crew leader for a group of nine scouts, who along with two adult leaders, trained for a year and then spent two weeks backpacking in the New Mexico wilderness at Philmont Scout Ranch. 

Scott is a sophomore at High Technology High School in Lincroft, New Jersey, where he participates in Robotics, Key Club, TSA (Technology Student Association), Jewish Student Union, Multi Cultural Club, and the Performing Arts Club and will appearing in his first musical in April. Scott is currently the High Tech Recruiter for CROP (Communities Responding to Overcome Hunger) Walk, as well as a Teen Leader for CROP Walk in Monmouth County. He plans to pursue a career in Biomedical Engineering.

He is the son of Judi and Michael Blechman of Holmdel.

Scott will be recognized in a Court of Honor Ceremony on Saturday, March 10, at 11:00am, at Holmdel Fire Company No.1, 35 West Main Street in Holmdel.