James Whalen and Andrew Creitz have earned the highest advancement award Boy Scouts of America offers to scouts, the Eagle Scout Award. The presentation was made by scoutmaster Bruce Soto at a recent Eagle Court of Honor ceremony at Grace Community Church.
In order to achieve the rank of eagle, Whalen and Creitz had to earn 21 merit badges and show leadership by planning, developing and completing a community service project.
Whalen started in scouting as a tiger cub with Pack 26 and continued with scouting in Troop 79 sponsored by St. Michael’s Church. He has earned 27 merit badges. He has served as a junior assistant scoutmaster, assistant senior patrol leader, patrol leader, guide and instructor. Currently, he is an assistant scoutmaster and a member of the Order of the Arrow, scouting’s National Honor Society of Campers.
Whalen is the son of Paul and Stephanie Whalen. He is a senior at Makua Lani Christian Academy and plans to major in mechanical engineering in college.
Creitz is also a member of Troop 79 and has earned 23 merit badges. He has served in leadership positions as a junior assistant scoutmaster, guide and chaplain aide. In addition, he is an assistant scoutmaster, a member of the Order of the Arrow and is the Kona chapter chief.
Creitz is the son of Richard and Gladys Creitz. He is a senior at Makua Lani Christian Academy, and he plans to pursue a degree in communications in college..