Willowbrook senior earns Eagle Scout status

Willowbrook senior Tim Wagner recently earned Eagle Scout status, the highest rank attainable in Boy Scouts of America.

Those who receive that rank earn at least 21 merit badges and demonstrate Scout Spirit through the Boy Scout Oath and Law, service and leadership (which includes organizing, planning and completing an extensive service project in the community).

Wagner is with Troop 140, and he joined Cub Scouts when he was in first grade.

“What I enjoy about Boys Scouts is the sheer opportunity the organization provides in all aspects of activities and events,” Wagner said.

For his Eagle Scout project, Wagner worked closely with Diveheart, an organization in Downers Grove whose mission is to build confidence, independence and self-esteem in the lives of children, adults and veterans with disabilities through scuba diving, scuba therapy and related activities. Wagner coordinated, promoted and conducted a four-hour event where a group of students with disabilities was able to experience scuba diving. That event took about three months to plan and was hosted on April 27, 2016, at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Chicago - Oak Brook.

Wagner also has participated in Boy Scouts of America’s National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) for five years. That program is designed for councils to provide youth members with leadership skills and experience they can use in their home troops and in other situations demanding leadership of self and others. Wagner now helps coordinate the NYLT.

Wagner said he plans to stay involved with Boy Scouts through continuing with Venturing, a youth-development program that provides positive experiences to help young people mature and prepares them to become responsible and caring adults. He added he also plans to become an adult leader.

Wagner will continue his education at Carthage College and has already been admitted into the Honors Program. He plans to major in music education and looks forward to a career as a choir teacher and a dive instructor.