An Adrian High School graduate was one of 50 entrants in the national Scout of the Year competition after he was selected as Minnesota VFW Scout of the Year earlier this year.
Blake Madison, son of Dawn Anderson, Adrian, and Les Madison, Wilmont, was also the Eagle Scout of the Year for the American Legion Department of Minnesota.
“To be a double state winner is pretty incredible,” said Terrie Gulden, who sponsored Madison for the state award through the local VFW 2757 Post.
Madison did not finish in the Top 3 for the National Scout of the Year, but his mother, Dawn Anderson, said “just being submitted is an honor…. What great news in this chaotic time.”
The coronavirus pandemic prevented a public ceremony for the 18-year-old.
Madison was featured in a Feb. 21, 2019, Star Herald article when a project at the Adrian City Park earned him the Eagle badge.
He worked with city of Adrian officials to build a large outdoor chess and checkers board at the campground.
Madison dedicated the board to troop master Arnie Dwire, a 50-year Scout leader and an inspiration to Madison. Dwire died in October 2019.
Being an Eagle Scout recipient was only one requirement for recognition as the state Scout of the Year. Judges also looked at school participation, scouting record and community service.
Madison is a member of Troop 32 of Adrian and Troop 134 of Worthington, where he has served as chaplain, den chief and an Order of the Arrow representative.
He’s earned 28 merit badges and the 50-miler award, a designation given to members who plot a 50-mile route via trail, canoe or boat.
In his message for the Scout of the Year award, Madison recounted a troop hike up Harney Peak in the Black Hills. Now known as Black Elk Peak, it is the highest point east of the Rocky Mountains.
“I led my troop in an awesome experience of reading a devotional after a hike,” he wrote. “It was beautiful and memorable moment of reverence.”
In school the recent Adrian High School graduate maintained a 4.07 grade point average and became a member of the National Honor Society as a sophomore. He’s active in knowledge bowl, Luverne-Adrian FFA Chapter, math league, band, and chess club.
A willing volunteer, Madison has helped at the local veterans home, sent care packages to troops and local kids in the hospital, and helped with concessions at local races and the ice-fishing derby.
This fall, Madison plans on returning to the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in Rapid City.