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Jake Cantavespre
Jake Cantavespre is the son of Lisa and Mark Cantavespre of Vestavia Hills. He joined Troop 1 in 2009 after earning his Arrow of Light award in Cub Scout Pack 1. He served in several positions within the troop, including assistant senior patrol leader, and also participated in BSA National Youth Leadership Training. He was a member of the troop’s contingents to Northern Tier in 2012 and Philmont in 2014. Jake earned 25 merit badges and completed his Eagle rank on January 8, 2015. Jake’s Eagle leadership project was to rebuild a section of the trail behind the Vestavia library. The trail leading from the creek to the top of a hill had become eroded due to heavy usage. Jake added steps and a handrail to this section to control erosion and allow for safer navigation. He led a crew over several weekends to prepare and install the steps. Jake is a junior at Vestavia Hills High School and is active in the school’s drama programs.
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John Shields
John Shields is the son of Mary and Pat Shields of Vestavia Hills. He joined Troop 1 in 2009 after crossing over from Cub Scout Pack 1 where he earned his Arrow of Light award and the Light of Christ religious emblem. John served in several positions of responsibility within the troop including senior patrol leader and participated in BSA National Youth Leadership Training. He is a Brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow and was a member of the troop’s contingents to Northern Tier in 2012 and Philmont in 2014. John earned 34 merit badges, completed his Eagle rank on June 12, 2014, and has earned the Bronze and Gold Eagle Palms. John’s Eagle leadership project was to rebuild the trail to the canoing area at Camp Winnataska. The old trail had become badly eroded and was hazardous in wet weather. John led a team of workers over several weekends to reroute the trail to make it safer and less prone to erosion. He also added handrails to better define the trail. John is a home-schooled sophomore and active in the Birmingham Swim League.
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Nathaniel Rubin
Nathaniel Rubin is the son of Melissa and Donald Rubin of Vestavia Hills. He joined Troop 1 in 2009. Nathaniel served in several positions of responsibility within the troop including senior patrol leader and participated in BSA National Youth Leadership Training. He is a Brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow and was a member of the troop’s contingents to Philmont in 2011 and Northern Tier in 2012. Nathaniel earned 27 merit badges and completed his Eagle rank on January 8, 2015. Nathaniel’s Eagle leadership project was to build six benches for the Chico cabins at Camp Winnataska. The camp needed low, wide benches to accommodate the younger children who camp in the area. Nathaniel led a team of workers over several weekends to build the benches and install them at Winnataska. Nathaniel is a senior at Restoration Academy and is a member of the school’s varsity track and baseball teams. He is currently deciding where he will attend college next fall.
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Nels Coker
Nels Coker is the son of Audra and Tim Coker of Vestavia Hills. He joined Troop 1 in 2008. He served in several positions of responsibility within the troop, including senior patrol leader. He is an Ordeal member of the Order of the Arrow and was crew leader for the troop’s contingent to Philmont in 2011. Nels earned 22 merit badges and completed his Eagle rank on September 11, 2014. Nels’ Eagle leadership project was to build a veterans memorial at Patriot Park in west Homewood. The stone plaza has a lighted flagpole and plaques commemorating contributions veterans have made in their service. Nels led a team of troop members and others over several weekends to build the plaza. Nels is a senior at Vestavia Hills High School and is active in the school’s band programs. Nels plays the violin with several local orchestras and ensembles. Nels will be attending Auburn University next fall.
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Matt Hultstrand
Matt Hultstrand is the son of Pam and Dave Hultstrand of Vestavia Hills. He joined Troop 1 in 2012 after transferring from Troop 479 in Edmond, Oklahoma. While a Cub Scout, Matt earned his Arrow of Light and the Light of Christ and Parvuli Dei religious emblems. He served in several positions of responsibility within the troop including senior patrol leader. Matt is an Ordeal member of the Order of the Arrow and was crew leader for the troop’s contingent to Philmont in 2014. He earned 28 merit badges and completed his Eagle rank on August 14, 2014. Matt’s Eagle leadership project was to build an amphitheater around Ballard’s Spring at Camp Winnataska. Matt led a team to clear underbrush and reroute the stream from the spring through a new concrete and rock bed. The project team also built five stone benches around the stream. Matt led the workers over several weekends to complete the project. Matt is a senior at Vestavia Hills High School and is a member of the school’s varsity track team. He will be attending Auburn University next fall.
