Aurora teen earns Eagle Scout award

A 17-year-old from Aurora, Vikram Anjur, became an Eagle Scout this summer after completing a project that involved repairing, cleaning and painting roughly 2,800 square feet of wall at Zion Lutheran Church and Preschool in Naperville.

Vikram, a student at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy in Aurora, said the walls hadn't been painted or repaired in seven years and were in need of a professional-level makeover. He recruited members of his family, neighbors and Scouts and adults in his troop to help out.

A member of Troop 510 in Naperville who has earned roughly three dozen merit badges, Vikram has been active in Scouting for more than three years.

When he graduates from IMSA, he said he plans to pursue an engineering degree in college.

"I also want to continue to play an active part in Scouting by being part of the Boy Scout community wherever I go, and I hope to inspire younger Scouts to achieve the self-discipline necessary to guide others and also help themselves as they work their way toward Eagle rank and beyond.

"I would like to find ways to use technology to help make people's lives better and conserve national resources across global communities."

He said Scouting has taught him a great deal.

"Scouting has taught me the essentiality of making a positive impact on the lives of others in one's community," he said. "By strategically implementing various virtues and traits (such as loyalty, friendliness, obedience, cheerfulness, thriftiness, bravery, cleanliness and reverence) in our actions and decisions every day, living and thinking proactively and compassionately becomes an integral component of our lifestyles.

"With the bravery to try new things and the diligence to consistently pursue them, I have learned to truly appreciate the beauty and respect of leadership."

His parents are Sriram and Sowmya Anjur.