Troop 4 elevates 3 to Eagle Scout

Boy Scout Troop 4, chartered through Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church, recently announced that Ben Swearingen, Nick Velezis and Luke Walker have earned the rank of Eagle. The troop celebrated their achievements at a Court of Honor on March 18.

Ben Swearingen is the son of Burke and Joan Swearingen and is a sophomore at Vestavia Hills High School. After receiving his Arrow of Light in Cub Scout Pack 1, Swearingen held leadership positions including patrol leader, assistant patrol leader, quartermaster and chaplain. For his Eagle project, Swearingen created a video documentary for Christian Service Mission. This documentary will be used on their website to help promote donations and volunteerism. 

He is involved in Youth Leadership and the German Club, enjoys music and also takes guitar lessons. He is a member of Shades Mountain Baptist Church, where he is in a discipleship group and the youth choir.

Nick Velezis is the son of Michael and Christine Velezis and is a sophomore at VHHS. After receiving his Arrow of Light in Cub Scout Pack 1, Velezis held various leadership roles and earned 21 merit badges. For his Eagle project, he chose to design and build four oversized picnic tables for Camp Vakakes, a camp in Harpersville owned by Holy Cross Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, where he has served as an altar server since second grade and volunteers at the church’s annual Greek Food Festival. 

An avid swimmer, Velezis earned a varsity letter as a freshman, as well as several Southeast rankings.  

Luke Walker is the son of Jana and Ben Walker and is a sophomore at VHHS. He has held numerous leadership positions including Troop Guide and Assistant Senior Patrol. For his Eagle Project, Walker refurbished and expanded a playground at Cornerstone Elementary School. He was able to fund the playground improvements and donate $720 to Cornerstone School to be used for after-school extracurricular clubs. 

Walker participates in the Just Singin’ a capella group, Honor Choir and the Youth Leadership program. He is an active member of the Covenant Presbyterian Church youth group and planned to go to Honduras on a mission trip in March. He also plays lacrosse for the Rebels. 

‒ Submitted by Thomas Little.