Kenneth Marks-Bzdell

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“Through my long time affiliation with Boy Scouts I acquired skills that helped me to become a leader in my community. I volunteered many hours towards community enrichment projects, learned survival and leadership skills, and received numerous awards and rank advancements.”

  • Program: 2009 College Scholarship Recipient
  • Resides: Meridian, ID
  • Hometown: Meridian, ID
  • Age: 20

Biography

Highlights of Young Scholar Experience:  Ken’s passion for computer engineering was nurtured through Foundation-sponsored seminars and study classes, which led to his interest in mechanical and electrical engineering. Included in his summer study was a program at Cornell University in researching nanotechnology and micromixers and an honors engineering design course at Northwestern University. During his senior year of high school, he also completed 16 college credit hours of engineering courses.

Profile: 300 hours translates roughly into 12 ½ days. That’s the amount of time Ken volunteered with an Idaho organization called “Computers for Kids” that receives donated computers from individuals and businesses, then refurbishes them for distribution to needy students for their home use. Volunteerism is a big part of Ken’s life and he lives the Boy Scout code every day. He also attained a 4.0 grade average every semester he attended Meridian Charter High School in Idaho. 

Inspiration: He is his own inspiration. “Over time, I developed my own inner strength that now moves me to achieve my goals.”

Aspiration:  Ken hopes to become an electrical engineer, although he has a strong interest in developing alternative fuel sources for vehicles for the sake of cost effectiveness and environmental friendliness.

Making a Difference:  Ken was able to achieve the rank of the Eagle Scout at the age of 14. To earn the honor Ken was required to show extensive service experience, demonstrate leadership skills and Scout Spirit. Ken planned, organized, and led the construction of a sprinkler system on a piece of property belonging to his church.

Accolades:  Besides becoming an Eagle Scout at such an early age, Ken distinguished himself in the classroom, earning Honor Roll recognition as well as being a member of the National Honor Society and the National Technical Honor Society. Nationally, he was part of a team that finished in 2nd place in the National TESTS (Tests of Engineering Aptitude, Mathematics, and Science) Competition.  .

Interesting fact:  At his martial arts gym, he recently was awarded a Blue Belt in Kenpo Karate.

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