Long Island teen Shawn Goldsmith earned every merit badge offered by the boy scouts, a feat described as "almost unheard-of" by scout officials.USA Today: N.Y. Boy Scout earns all 121 merit badges (December 29, 2008) He was awarded his 121st Boy Scout of America merit badge on December 19, 2008, days before his 18th birthday. Goldsmith was encouraged by his grandmother, who passed away soon before he reached his goal. He hopes to one day become a businessman and politician.