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Nate Blakeman’s Eagle Scout benches find a home in South Beloit — and a community celebrates his craftsmanship, character, and family support

Harold Bone

Harold Bone

— 3 min read
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Nate Blakeman’s Eagle Scout benches find a home in South Beloit — and a community celebrates his craftsmanship, character, and family support
Nate Blakeman shows off one of his benches that were put out at the South Beloit Junior High for his Eagle Scout Project. Photo/Nicole Blakeman

The kind of project that reminds a community what service looks like came to life this earlier this month, thanks to South Beloit’s own Nate Blakeman, who completed a standout Eagle Scout project that is already making an impact. Nate built and donated a set of sturdy, beautifully crafted outdoor benches — pieces that now sit proudly on the grounds of South Beloit Junior High, where students have wasted no time putting them to good use.

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The school shared its appreciation publicly, noting how the benches immediately became a gathering spot for kids enjoying fresh air, conversation, and a comfortable place to sit. The pride in Nate’s work is unmistakable — each bench reflects hours of planning, measuring, cutting, sanding, and finishing, all done with the kind of care that defines a true Eagle Scout.

Nate Blakeman shows off one of his benches that were put out at the South Beloit Junior High for his Eagle Scout Project. Photo/Nicole Blakeman

But projects like this don’t happen alone.

Behind Nate stands a family that has supported him every step of the way. His parents, Nicole and Curtis Blakeman, were right there — encouraging him, helping him organize materials, and cheering him on as he transformed raw lumber into something meaningful for the community. Their guidance and steady presence helped Nate bring his vision to life, and the finished benches carry that spirit of teamwork and family pride.

Remember to tell them you “Saw it in the Rockton-Roscoe News.”

His Scouting America Troop 6222 also played a key role, offering hands-on help and mentorship throughout the project. Nate expressed gratitude for the troop’s support, and the troop, in turn, celebrated one of their own reaching a milestone that requires leadership, discipline, and heart.

Students siton Nate Blakeman's benches that were put out at the South Beloit Junior High for his Eagle Scout Project. Photo/South Beloit Junior High on Facebook

For the Rockton-Roscoe News, this is the kind of story that deserves to be lifted up a young man choosing to serve, a family standing behind him, and a community benefitting from the results.

Nate Blakeman's benches that were put out at the South Beloit Junior High for his Eagle Scout Project. Photo/South Beloit Junior High on Facebook

Congratulations, Nate, on completing your Eagle Scout project with craftsmanship and purpose. And congratulations to Nicole and Curtis, whose encouragement helped shape a project that will be enjoyed for years to come. South Beloit is better for your efforts, and the benches now sitting outside the junior high are more than just places to sit they’re reminders of what community service looks like when done with pride.

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