Schools

Valedictorian of Blue Hills Honored for Becoming Eagle Scout

Blue Hills Regional honored the student for his work.

By Judy Bass

Daniel Zaleski of Avon, the at Blue Hills Regional Technical School in Canton, was commended on June 21 by the Blue Hills Regional District School Committee for recently achieving the coveted and prestigious rank of Eagle Scout.

He was presented with a certificate recognizing his accomplishment that was signed by the members of the District School Committee.

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"Everything happens for a reason,” said his parents, Richard and Karen Zaleski. “Daniel made it to Eagle Scout because he set a goal and reached it.  Now, as an Eagle, Daniel should reach new heights by soaring high above all expectations."

, 18, became a Tiger Cub in first grade, in 1999.  He was a Cub Scout in Pack 69 Avon, a Boy Scout in Troop 69 Avon, and is now an adult leader in Troop 56 Holbrook. 

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He steadily rose in the Scouting ranks, ultimately earning Eagle status, the highest level in Scouting.  According to Boy Scout literature, “Only about one percent of all in Scouting in the United States achieve this rank.”

Becoming an Eagle Scout is a lengthy and rigorous process.  Among other criteria he had to attain, Zaleski was required to earn 21 merit badges in areas including first aid, citizenship, communications, personal fitness, environmental science, personal management, camping and family life.

In addition, he always conducted himself in an upstanding, exemplary manner and demonstrated character, maturity and poise.

For his Eagle Scout project, Zaleski, assisted by his troop, built 30 bat houses that were placed in the trees at the Butler School, Crowley School, and the Avon Middle / High School ball fields, thus increasing the bat population and decreasing the mosquito population.

On May 22, 2011, Boy Scout Troop 69 celebrated Zaleski’s achievement at a Court of Honor at St. Michael’s Church in Avon.  Also recognized at that event for his accomplishments in Scouting was his brother, Timothy, who became an Eagle Scout in 2009.

“Boy Scouts has been nothing but rewarding [for me],” Zaleski said in his speech that day.  I have learned a lot about myself.  I have learned that you need to strive and work hard for what you want.  I have also learned about teamwork and its importance in this world.”

He concluded, “I will always remember what Boy Scouts has taught me.  I believe being an Eagle Scout shows my determination, which is why I feel I am ready for the world.”

Zaleski had an extraordinarily distinguished high school career.  He had excellent attendance during all four years.  He was selected as the Outstanding Vocational-Technical Student of the Year at Blue Hills Regional, and was also Massachusetts Vocational Technical Student of the Year as chosen by the Massachusetts Vocational Association.

Zaleski received many notable awards during his senior year at Blue Hills Regional, all of which indicated his dedication to the highest standard of scholarship and leadership. Among his noteworthy accolades were the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship, the Blue Hills Outstanding Senior in Electronics Award, the United States Marine Corps Award for Scholastic Excellence, the Massachusetts Vocational Association Presidential Certificate of Merit (Electronics), the Blue Hills Regional Academic Proficiency Awards for Math and Science, the Blue Hills Regional Math Team Commendation, the Blue Hills Regional Pathway to Engineering Program Award, a gold medal in Electronic Technology in the District competition of SkillsUSA, the New England Math League Merit Award Commendation, the President’s Award for Academic Excellence, and the Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s Presidential Scholarship.

Zaleski will attend Worcester Polytechnic Institute next year for Electrical and Computer Engineering.


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