ABCNews.com

NY Teen Earns Every Boy Scout Badge Available

A Long Island teenager has earned all 121 merit badges offered by the Boy Scouts of America. It's an accomplishment the local arm of the organization calls "an almost unheard-of feat."

Oceanside resident Shawn Goldsmith earned his final badge -- for bugling -- in time for his 18th birthday in November. He far surpassed the 21 badges required to achieve the elite rank of Eagle Scout.

PHOTO Long Island teenager, Shawn Goldsmith, has earned all 121 merit badges offered by the Boy Scouts of America. badges badge smiling
Shawn Goldsmith, a Long Island teenager, has earned all 121 merit badges offered by the Boy Scouts of America.

He says he took about five years to earn his first 62 badges and then nearly doubled that number in a matter of months. He did it with the encouragement of his grandmother, who died shortly before he reached his goal.

The Binghamton University freshman was awarded his final badges on Dec. 19. He says he hopes to become a businessman and politician.

on Twitter, become a fan on Facebook
Commenting on this article is closed.
 
You Might Also Like...
Connect with Us
Social Tools Facebook Twitter Twitter Connect with Us YouTube RSS
ABC News Newsletters
 
Today in ABC News
1