Willowbrook alumnus earns Eagle Scout status

Willowbrook alumnus Andrew Kling (class of 2022, pictured above) earned Eagle Scout status this past fall, the highest rank attainable in Boy Scouts of 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.

Kling is with Troop 140, and he joined Cub Scouts in 2014. Kling said he was inspired to sign up because his dad is an Eagle Scout, and his best friend at the time was a member of the troop.

For his Eagle Scout project, Kling built show jumps (horse hurdles) for training programs and shows at St. James Farm in Warrenville. The jumps consist of two stands and two PVC pipes (pictured above). Kling said the process involved finding a beneficiary to support and help organize the project, getting it approved by Troop 140 and securing funds, materials and volunteers.

Kling said he hopes to stay involved with Boy Scouts in some capacity (either as a leader or with the Order of the Arrow or Law Enforcement Exploring). He plans to attend College of DuPage and then Northern Illinois University to major in Mechatronics Engineering, which involves mechanical/electrical engineering, robotics and computer science.