Saucon Teen Completes Eagle Scout Project at Grist Mill

A Hellertown teenager has attained the rank of Eagle Scout following his completion of a split rail fence project at the Heller-Wagner Grist Mill on W. Walnut Street last summer, when he was just 14.

John “Jack” Tatu is now a sophomore at Saucon Valley High School and said the grist mill is a special place for him because he often fishes in the adjacent pond.

The fence he and fellow members of Troop 311 built encloses part of the mill race and replaced a dilapidated structure Tatu said was a safety hazard.

Hannah Tatu, Jack’s mom, called her son “super ambitious” for completing the project at an age younger than is typical for the awarding of the rank of Eagle Scout. The highest rank available in Boy Scouts, statistically only four percent of scouts achieve the Eagle Scout ranking. “It’s all him,” she said. “He did this on his own.”

In order to fund the $2,500 fence project, Jack wrote letters to local businesses to request sponsorship support. Frey’s Better Foods in Hellertown was the first business to donate and “that really got Jack going,” Hannah said.

Jack’s formal induction into Eagle Scouts was at a ceremony at St. Theresa of the Child Jesus church in Hellertown Sunday afternoon. Guests at the ceremony included borough mayor David Heintzelman, who proclaimed Sept. 21, 2025 John A. Tatu Day in Hellertown. Other speakers at the ceremony included Matt Brady of the Hellertown Historical Society, state Rep. Bob Freeman (D-136) and a representative for the office of U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R-7), Aaron Gasparetti.

Afterward, a reception with refreshments was held at the Grist Mill Tavern Room, with friends and family present for photos.

Outside of scouting and school, Jack said he participates in wrestling and loves doing anything outdoors.

He said building the fence was not only an opportunity for camaraderie with his friends, but also taught him about leadership.