School Bulletin: Eagle Scout project driven by sense of community

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A Catholic Memorial senior is trying something new as part of his Eagle Scout project. Jack Walter, a member of Troop 159, will be donating blood for the first time during a blood drive he has organized with Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin.

"This I know will actually effect people in a good way," Walter says.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the nation's blood supplies dropped to historic lows. By working with Versiti, Walter says he learned more about all the ways blood, plasma and platelets can help not only people in his Waukesha community but people everywhere.

"When I realized how much of a need it was, I was like wow. I feel like there's something I can do about that. It's something I can help with," Walter says.

Walter says he joined the scouts in first grade, first starting as a Cub Scout. He says earning merit badges, going to summer camp and even participating in the classic fundraisers like selling wreaths and popcorn have been a lot of fun. But Walter says he's also learned about teamwork, commitment and leadership.

"Looking up at the older scouts and seeing them help everybody else, it really taught me and made me realize that's going to be me. And then, it happened," Walter says.

Walter will find out in April whether he's earned the organization's highest honor, something only about 5% of Boy Scouts achieve.

In the meantime, Walter is studying for his Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate exams. He's also working on getting his hot air balloon pilot's license. Then after graduation, Walter says he wants to play football in college, major in business and become an entrepreneur. He also wants to stay active in his troop as an adult leader because there's still more to learn.

"I can learn something from the youngest kids. I can learn something from the oldest kids. It really goes around," Walter says.

Walter's blood drive runs from 12 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 12 at St. Mary's School gym on Newhall Street. Walk-ins are welcome.