Patch Whiz Kid of the Week

Name: Michael Fluegemann, 16, of Plymouth

Grade: Junior

School:

Accomplishment: Michael was honored Tuesday during the 2010 Eagle Scout Recognition Dinner at the Rock Financial Showplace in Novi.

Key to awesomeness: For starters, Michael’s key to awesomeness is his successful 2010 Eagle Scout project. “I wanted to help local food pantries,” he said. “I looked online and found the DTE Energy Garden. I met with a person from DTE and got part of a garden. I worked my own section and helped tend the section I shared with .” He harvested 500 pounds of produce – squash, cucumbers, beans, basil, spinach, beets and radishes – and donated it to Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan, which serves food pantries throughout Western Wayne County.

Michael is a member of Our Lady of Good Counsel Church in Plymouth and Boy Scout Troop 781. His high school activities include Canton’s swim team (50- and 100-meter events); playing clarinet for the marching band; playing French horn for the school’s concert band; and volunteering to help the community as a member of the National Honor Society. (Patch found Michael while he was volunteering during the 's recent benefit.)

“He’s a busy kid,” said his mom, Betty Fluegemann. Michael is the oldest of the four Fluegemann children. Patch asked Michael, “You’re not busy at all, are you?”

“Ha!” he said. “It’s a lot of fun.”