Willowbrook junior earns Eagle Scout status

Willowbrook junior Quentin Medinger (pictured above) recently earned Eagle Scout status, the highest rank attainable in Scouting America.

Those who receive that rank earn a total of 21 merit badges; demonstrate Scout Oath and Scout Law in their daily life; and plan, develop and give leadership to others in a service project. Read more about the Eagle Scout process at https://tinyurl.com/EagleScoutInfo.

Medinger is with Troop 140 Lombard, and he joined Cub Scouts in 2015. Medinger said he was inspired to sign up after a group of scouts presented to his class when he was younger.

“As a Cub Scout, I participated in activities such as camping and the Pinewood Derby, where we built and raced cars,” Medinger said. “These experiences motivated me to continue into Scouts BSA, where I enjoyed even more rewarding adventures, including Sea Base in Florida (a Scouting program that offers aquatic activities) and Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico.”

For his Eagle Scout project, Medinger restored a six-foot-tall statue at Shriners Children’s Chicago. The statue, which sits on a brick pedestal that’s 64 inches high and 48 inches wide, is a symbol based on a newspaper photo taken in 1970. That photo, known as the “Editorial without Words,” shows a Shriner carrying a child and her crutches. Medinger said it took 14 months to plan, fundraise and execute the project. He raised $1,100 to repair the damaged brick base and weathered statue. Medinger said he was able to complete the work with the help of 24 people, who volunteered more than 150 hours.

Medinger has earned 58 merit badges and eight scout awards, which he said have provided opportunities to learn about potential career paths and explore hobbies and interests. He also has earned seven Eagle Palms (3 bronze, 2 gold and 2 silver), which are awarded for achieving more than the 21 merit badges required to earn Eagle Scout status.

Medinger plans to stay involved with Scouts BSA through serving as a leader in his troop, attending events and advocating for Scouting America. In the future, he plans to attend college and major in mechanical engineering.