Brian DeContreras
Eagle Scout 

Brian Robert De Contreras was awarded the Boy Scouts of America’s highest rank, Eagle Scout, during a Court of Honor on March 22, 2008 at the Apex Community Center in Apex, NC.   Brian is a member of Troop 216 in Cary and is the son of Scoutmaster Bob De Contreras and Denise Luken, and stepson of Bill Luken, all in Apex.   He officially earned the rank of Eagle Scout on November 14, 2007 at the age of 15.   Brian’s father is also an Eagle Scout, and his grandfather was a Scoutmaster as well.

Brian is Troop 216’s 58th Eagle Scout since its founding in 1978.  Troop 216 is sponsored by the Knights of Columbus at Saint Michael the Archangel Catholic Church.

Over 70 people attended the Court of Honor, including fellow scouts, friends, classmates and Brian’s uncles Paul Williams of Frederick, Maryland and Michael Williams of Fuquay-Varina, his grandparents Rae and Jack DiBella of Fuquay-Varina, and his sister, Stephanie De Contreras.  Also in attendance was Town of Apex Park Manager Josh Enoch and Town of Apex Park staff member Tom Hart.  Christopher Meyer, Troop 216’s Committee Chairman, was the Master of Ceremonies. 

Fellow scouts Alex Brawn, Kevin Mulder and Gary Meyer opened the ceremony by presenting the colors after which Nick Davis delivered the invocation.    Brian’s parents, his Eagle project advisor, Assistant Scoutmaster “Ranger” Rick Myers, Mr. Hart, and Troop 216’s Charter Organization Representative, Mr. Todd Ellis, all took part in the ceremony.  Among the presentations, Brian received his Eagle badge, various mementos, and a U.S. flag from Senator Richard Burr which had flown over the United States Capitol Building in Washington, DC in Brian’s honor.  In addition, Brian received proclamations from Town of Apex Mayor Keith H. Weatherly and Boy Scouts of America President W. F. Cronk.   Brian also gave a heartfelt speech thanking his parents, the adult leadership, his fellow scouts and expressed what his achievement means to him.

Brian began his scouting career in November 1998 as a Tiger Cub with Pack 316 at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church in Apex, where he subsequently earned all of the Cub Scout ranks as well as 20 belt loops and pins.  In January 2003, Brian received Cub Scouting’s highest award, the Arrow of Light, and bridged to BSA Troop 216 in March 2003.

The BSA program heavily emphasizes leadership skills, and throughout his career with Troop 216, Brian has held numerous leadership positions, including Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Troop Guide, Patrol Leader and Historian.  In March 2006, Brian was inducted into the Order of the Arrow, a scouting honor organization. As an avid camper, Brian has spent more than 86 nights camping with Troop 216 as well as attending four sessions of summer camp at Camp Raven Knob in Mount Airy, North Carolina.  Brian has completed 31 merit badges and continues to earn more.   In order to reach the rank of Eagle Scout, 21 merit badges must be earned, 12 of which are specifically required for the rank.

As required by the Boy Scouts of America, a candidate for Eagle Scout must plan, develop, and give leadership to others while providing a service to the community.  With guidance from his Eagle project advisor, “Ranger” Rick Myers, Brian planned, designed and led twenty scouts in the construction and installation of two trail head information signs for a new trail through a wooded area in the Apex Community Park.  The signs, weighing over 250 pounds each, have a Plexiglas front and an opening back door for the park staff to post information.  One of the signs is located near the picnic shelters and the other sign is near the lake walking path at the power lines.  To finance these two signs, which cost approximately $700, Brian approached local businesses for funding.  Each sponsoring business now has their name engraved in a brass plaque attached to the signs.  The businesses who contributed funds were Peak Automotive of Apex, Head Case Studio, Jersey Mike’s of Apex, Apex Kroger, La Rancherita Restaurant, Oxford Learning, Peak City Grill & Bar, Pure Expressions Photography, Salem Street Soda Shop, Trophy USA, and Young Guns.

Kim Walker, owner of Peak Automotive, said “We were glad to help Brian fund his Eagle project, because we believe in Scouting.  We also contribute automotive classes for Girl Scouts.”
 
Brian is a ninth grade student at Apex High School in Apex, North Carolina.  In the future, Brian would like to own a custom motorcycle shop.