Staff Report
Andrew Bunke, a freshman at Santa Ynez Valley Union High School, earned his Eagle rank in August after completing his Eagle project — construction of storage sheds for the PTA at Ballard School, which Andrew attended from kindergarten through sixth grade.
Constructing the sheds was a learning experience in project management, including fundraising and budgeting. Members of Andrew’s Troop 41 chartered to the Santa Ynez Presbyterian Church helped him build the sheds, and DJ Dunn of Dunn Construction was also indispensable, providing advice and equipment.
Andrew is an accomplished Scout, having also earned the Ad Altare Dei religious emblem through his service to the Catholic Church. He has acted as Chaplain’s Aide for Troop 41 since joining Scouts.
The Scoutmaster for Troop 41, David Watkins, said that Andrew has been an exemplary Scout since joining as a Cub Scout in second grade.
“The younger Scouts look up to Andrew and frequently take their cues from his reaction to situations. Even his peers will ask his advice when dealing with challenges during our activities, and Andrew has a level head and keen perception that make him an excellent advisor.”
Watkins also called Andrew “a model citizen and deeply religious, setting an example of all that is good in scouting and in recalling that ‘A Scout is Reverent’ is one of the 12 scout laws. Andrew lives up to that promise of being reverent and a very kind and loyal scout, standing by his fellow scouts through thick and thin, truly a credit to his family, community and scouting.”
Andrew has completed many camping and backpacking trips and has earned 35 merit badges, learning skills such as camping and archery as well as life skills and skills that may help in his future, such as robotics, aviation and digital technology.
Because of the high number of merit badges he has earned, Andrew also earned bronze and gold palms to accompany his Eagle rank.
For more information about Scouting, call Watkins at 805-886-7580.
