Independent staff
FOUNTAIN VALLEY -- Christopher Pagel, 16, will soon join the ranks
of former President Gerald Ford, pioneering astronaut Neil Armstrong and
legendary film director Steven Spielberg as one of the top 2% of Boy
Scouts who earn Eagle Scout Awards.
"It's a goal I set five years ago when I joined the Boy Scouts," the
Fountain Valley resident said. "It's a great honor to me."
Christopher will receive the award, the highest advancement commendation
the organization offers, at a ceremony at noon Aug. 28 at St. Bonaventure
Church in Huntington Beach.
As an Eagle Scout Award recipient, Christopher has earned 21 merit badges
and completed a community service project -- a bulletin board he built
for the Mile Square Park's nature center.
The achievement shows that a Boy Scout has put in several years of hard
work and learned skills that are beneficial to the individual and the
community, said Richard Banes, who serves as advancement chairman in the
troop.
"It indicates a person with the highest degree of character," Banes said.
As a member of Troop 568, Pagel has served as assistant senior patrol
leader, troop guide, scribe and chaplain aide.
As a member of the St. Bonaventure Church, he has received the Parvuli
Dei, Ad Altare Dei and Pope Pius XII religious awards.
Christopher said he plans to stay involved in his troop.
"I will continue to achieve awards," he said, "and help the younger
Scouts achieve this Eagle award, to help them along the way."
