May 19th, 2014 – BETHLEHEM, Pa. – A Northampton Community College student who’s had quite a life journey so far was honored Sunday afternoon.

He attained Eagle Scout status with Troop 362 in Bethlehem.

John Lahutsky was born in Russia and abandoned at an orphanage at 18 months. He has cerebral palsy and was adopted by a family in the U.S. when he was 9.

He started with the Boy Scouts in third grade and says he knew then he wanted to be an Eagle Scout.

“I still can’t believe that I made it- it’s been a wonderful journey,” said Lahutsky.

John co-authored his book, “The Boy from Baby House 10” about his experiences in the Russian orphanage/asylum system.

He’s earned 31 merit badges and was elected to the Order of the Arrow, Scouting’s honor society.

For his Eagle Scout leadership project, John collected over 850 pounds of clothing and raised over $4500 to cover the shipping costs for Warm the Children, a church-based charity that provides warm clothing and basic necessities to children in orphanages in Eastern Europe.

Throughout the project, John led 54 volunteers in over 166 hours of work.

And he said days like Sunday show him how many people love and admire him and are proud of what he’s accomplished.