BY CLARE MARIE CELANO
Staff Writer
FREEHOLD — Thomas Healton beat the odds that not all people who have autism could overcome.
Thomas has been busy helping others by planning a project that eventually earned him the coveted rank of Eagle Scout in June. Thomas, who lives in the borough, was honored for his efforts and dedication to scouting by Mayor Michael Wilson and the Borough Council on Oct. 4.
His parents, Jane and Gilbert, looked on with pride as their son stood to acknowledge the audience who applauded his achievement.
The honor marked a milestone for Troop 454, a Boy Scout troop sponsored by the Freehold Elks that enrolls boys who have special needs. Thomas, who is autistic, became the first Scout in the six-year history of Troop 454 to attain the rank of Eagle Scout.
After joining the troop in April 1997, Thomas advanced through the ranks of Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star and Life Scout. He served as Patrol Leader, Troop Guide, Senior Patrol Leader and Junior Assistant Scoutmaster, and currently serves the troop as Assistant Scoutmaster, working under Scoutmaster Chris Hughes.
Hughes commended Thomas on his efforts and said he has seen a great deal of growth in the young man.
“He has worked very hard and very diligently to achieve this honor,” Hughes said. “He deserves all the recognition he can get.”
Thomas was elected to the Order of the Arrow in March 2002. He became an Ordeal Member in September 2002 and a Brotherhood Member in September 2003.
For his Eagle Scout project, Thomas built four computer tables, all with covers, to secure nine computers for the Amistad Program held at the First United Methodist Church in the borough. The program, where Thomas has been a volunteer for quite some time, helps Hispanic youngsters to learn English. Volunteers also help the children with their homework.
Thomas said his goal in planning the project was to keep the computers in cabinets that would allow for easy maintenance and safe-keeping. He organized a fund-raiser (a ziti dinner at the church) to raise the money he needed to buy materials for the cabinets.
“I worked with my family and volunteers on the project. You cannot do the work alone because you must display leadership by organizing everything and delegating people to help you as well,” Thomas said.
Thomas graduated from Freehold High School, Freehold Borough, and is currently taking computer programming courses at Brookdale Community College, Lincroft. He hopes to pursue a career in computer game design.
Jane Healton said her son has Asperger’s syndrome, which she described as an inability to normally process social information. Because of this fact, being in a traditional Scout troop was daunting and overwhelming to Thomas.
She said Troop 454 provided the support and guidance her son needed to experience scouting which, she said, has made a marked difference in his life.
“Preparing for this Eagle Scout project has been good preparation for life,” Healton said. “And no one works alone. You learn to be part of a team. Thomas worked very diligently for this award, but many others worked very hard to train him. This award is something the whole scouting family can be proud of.”
An Eagle Scout recognition ceremony for Thomas will be held on Oct. 24 at 5 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 91 W. Main St.