Scout recognized for his leadership


Spencer O. Vaden

Spencer O. Vaden

Spencer O. Vaden will receive his Boy Scout Eagle rank at a Court of Honor on Sun., Jan. 21.

He is a member of Troop 605 of Simi Valley, chartered by St. Rose of Lima Church.

He recently earned the honor for his Eagle project of cleaning, organizing and inventorying two storage containers for Royal Highland Brigade, Royal High School’s marching band.

Under his leadership, about 20 scouts and band members completed the project in two days.

Spencer was diagnosed with cancer shortly before his 17th birthday and had to put his project on hold while he was treated. He had two surgeries and four-week-long rounds of chemotherapy before he could get back to Scouting and marching band.

He has held many leadership positions in his troop including assistant patrol leader, patrol leader and assistant senior patrol leader.

He recently traveled with the Ventura County Council as senior patrol leader to the National Boy Scout Jamboree in West Virginia.

He also attended National Youth Leadership Training at Camp Three Falls. The week-long training program taught leadership skills to kids to bring back to their troops.

Spencer is a senior at Royal High School where he is clarinet captain for the marching band. He also plays clarinet in Wind Ensemble.

He will graduate in June with plans of attending college.