3 West Aurora High seniors earn Eagle Scout rank at North Aurora church

Three West Aurora High School seniors earned the BSA Eagle Scout rank on Saturday, April 20, from Troop 104 at Living Hope Church in North Aurora.

The award is Scouting's highest and most coveted award and the last major step in the advancement program. Since 1912, more than 2,000,000 Boy Scouts have earned the rank.

In a rare triple-Eagle Court of Honor ceremony, Cameron “Cam” Weakman and Max Balsitis, both of North Aurora; and Luke Eley of Aurora were honored.

The event opened with a welcome to the audience from Thomas G. Brooks, committee member. After an invocation and posting of the colors by Scouts, Brooks chronicled the history of the Eagle rank.

The honored Scouts then reviewed their Eagle projects.

Weakman organized volunteers to build and install upgraded band-instrument shelves and cabinets for the West High band program.

Balsitis remodeled avian enclosures at Anderson Humane/Fox Valley Wildlife Center in Elburn. Eley and volunteers built a brick fire pit area with benches at Living Hope as a place for youth to gather.

Parents of the honored Scouts — Casey and Amanda Balsitis, David and Pam Weakman and Mike and Rebekuh Eley — gave reflections on their sons' Scouting experiences.

Presenting citizenship certificates and Ka-Bar Marine fighting knives to the new Eagles were Fox Valley U.S. Marine Corps veterans.

Scoutmaster Chris O'Brien and Life to Eagle advisor Jeff Butler presented the Eagle awards. After Scouts presented pins to their parents, mentors were recognized with pins.

Balsitis dedicated his to Troop 11; Eley recognized Butler and Weidman; and Weakman honored Troop 11 Scouts Antonio DelToro and Connor Harms, prior Eagles. Each new Eagle saluted their parents in brief speeches.

A reception at the church concluded the event. Troop 11 is chartered by Living Hope Church.