Ryan Shaneman, 16, of Scout Troop #338 has earned the Boy Scouts of America’s highest rank advancement, the Eagle Scout Award.

Shaneman earned the Eagle Scout Award on Oct. 10 and was recognized in a special Court of Honor ceremony on Jan. 9.

Shaneman is one of only approximately six percent of all Boy Scouts nationwide who attain the Eagle rank, according to Scoutmaster David Neuhaus. Each candidate must earn at least 21 merit badges and successfully complete a community service project to earn his Eagle. Shaneman chose to completely refurbish and rebuild a large utility shed at North Zion Lutheran Church in Baldwin Borough that had become run down over the years – including a large hole in the roof. Shaneman planned and executed a car wash in June that raised more than $1,000 in monetary contributions for his community service project, and approached several local business owners and companies to secure an additional $3,000 of in-kind donations of materials and services to refurbish the utility shed.

“The church’s shed was really in bad shape, but because of covid, they did not have the money that was needed to fix it. I knew that it would be a challenging project to take on, but was excited to be able to give back to the church and the community,” Shaneman said. “Even with the financial impact of covid, so many local businesses and companies stepped forward to help donate materials and services to make the project possible. It was really incredible to see the community pull together to help rebuild the shed for the church.”

Shaneman was previously awarded the Boy Scouts of America Medal of Merit in 2020 for his bravery and skill in responding to an unexpected medical emergency during a day hike with his family in Ohiopyle. Shaneman was also the first recipient of the Whitehall Borough’s Extraordinary Deeds Award, which was created by Mayor Jim Nowalk, with the support of the borough council.

Shaneman is a sophomore at Baldwin High School, where he is active in volleyball, robotics, and the games club.

He is the son of Shane Shaneman and Jacquelyn Correll, who live in the Whitehall.

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