Oakdale Patch Whiz Kid: Mitch Rogalsky

Oakdale Patch Whiz Kid of the Week: Mitch Rogalsky, 12^th grade

School: 

Accomplishment:  Mitch designed, planned and oversaw his Eagle Scout project—building stairs and platforms to increase accessibility to the outdoor worship area at in Oakdale. 

 Key to Awesomeness:  A scout since first grade, Rogalsky accomplished something that only 4 to 5 percent of Scouts ever complete: the rank of Eagle Scout.  His project was a 10-month process, which had to be completed before he turned 18. He first formally presented his idea to the church council and to three high-ranking scout leaders, then planned and obtained specifications, created technical drawings and timelines and made a list of materials and tools needed. He then created a duty roster and check-in sheets for volunteers, made meal and safety plans for his volunteers, purchased the construction materials and maintained a series of before and after pictures. He oversaw the cutting and framing, as well as the entire building process, which was built to code. He said he gained some valuable knowledge in aspects of carpentry and of engineering from adult friends and scout leaders. The volunteer time from family, friends and scout troop members totaled 179 hours. In addition, Rogalsky spent 31 hours of planning and 51 hours on the project itself. He dedicated the project, completed in September of 2010, to the memory of his uncle, Dan McGonigle.

In addition to his scout activities, Rogalsky is captain of Tartan’s First Robotics Team, is taking as many Advanced Placement classes as he can handle and has been accepted to the University of Minnesota’s College of Science and Engineering, where he plans to major in biomedical engineering and pre-med. 

Each week, Oakdale Patch will seek suggestions from readers for individual kids, youth groups, teens and even sports teams that wow us with their accomplishments. We want to hear about these amazing children and teens and select one each week as the Oakdale Patch Whiz Kid.  Submit your nomination in our comment box below or e-mail the information to patty.busse@patch.com. Be sure to include all of the following information: nominator's name, nominator's e-mail, Whiz Kid's name, Whiz Kid's age, Whiz Kid's school, Whiz Kid's accomplishment, Whiz Kid's key to awesomeness (what made him/her successful?)

If your nominee is selected, we'll contact you and assign a photographer to take a photo. For questions, e-mail patty.busse@patch.com.