Local Eagle Scout Speaks To Congress!

A group of Boy Scouts from across the nation -- including New Tampa's N'Jhari Jackson from Boy Scout Troop 142 in Tampa Palms -- spoke Tuesday to Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Paul Ryan (pictured here) and President Obama, as part of the organization's annual Report to the Nation.
A group of Boy Scouts from across the nation — including New Tampa’s N’Jhari Jackson from Boy Scout Troop 142 in Tampa Palms — spoke Tuesday to Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Paul Ryan (pictured here) and President Obama, as part of the organization’s annual Report to the Nation.

N’Jhari Jackson, an Eagle Scout with Boy Scout Troop 142 in New Tampa, was selected as one of 10 Boy Scouts from across the nation and delivered the “BSA 2015 Report to the Nation” to U.S. Congressional and governmental leaders Tuesday, March 1 in Washington, DC.

“JUST GAVE MY SPEECH TO OBAMAAAAAA,” Jackson texted to friends. “(It went) Great, I didn’t stutter either. OMG. I’m awesome ohhh I feel gosh!”

N’Jhari is still just 13 years old, but has already earned an incredible 121 Merit Badges and has set a personal goal to earn all 136. He has been recognized extensively (including in this publication in March 2015) for his outstanding volunteer service, with projects he has created and implemented, such as collecting 1,200 pair of socks for children’s group homes in the Tampa Bay area, delivering more than 4,000 Pajama Buddies and Pajama Grab Bags to hospitalized children, raising money to donate an AED (automated external defibrillator) to his school, and delivering blankets and other items to the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital.

“I am excited and nervous about my trip to Washington, DC,” N’Jhari told the Neighborhood News prior to his trip. “I know it will be something I’ll remember for the rest of my life.”

New Tampa’s N’Jhari Jackson Earns Eagle Scout, National Volunteer Award

New Tampa resident & Eagle Scout N’Jhari Jackson (right) was honored by “Good Morning America” co-anchor Robin Roberts as one of the nation’s top youth volunteers at the Prudential “Spirit of Community” Awards ceremony on May 3 in Washington DC.
New Tampa resident & Eagle Scout N’Jhari Jackson (right) was honored by “Good Morning America” co-anchor Robin Roberts as one of the nation’s top youth volunteers at the Prudential “Spirit of Community” Awards ceremony on May 3 in Washington DC.

By Matt Wiley

N’Jhari Jackson loves to help people. So much so, in fact, that the 12-year-old soon-to-be New Tampa Eagle Scout and volunteer’s efforts have helped earn him recognition as one of the country’s top youth volunteers. He also just wrapped up his culminating Eagle Scout project at the tender age of 12. Jackson is an active Boy Scout in Troop 142, which meets at St. James United Methodist Church (located off Bruce B. Downs {BBD} Blvd. in Tampa Palms). On May 13, Jackson completed and submitted his Eagle Scout project, entitled “NJ’s Love To The Rescue.”Continue reading