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Northeast Illinois Council recognized eagle scouts

Chris VanOverberghe is the recipient of the 2019 Northeast Illinois Council Glenn A. and Melinda W. Adams National Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year Award and was recognized at the annual NEIC Eagle Dinner celebrating the NEIC Eagle Class of 2018.

Chris is an Eagle Scout with Troop 78, Lincolnshire and chose "Build a Band & Orchestra Program for Most Blessed Trinity Academy (MBTA)," in Waukegan, as his Eagle project. As a musician with a true passion for helping others, Chris chose to find a way to make music education accessible to youth who didn't have access to instruments or training. Determined that MBTA should have a music program, he met with their principal, Dr. Lynne Saccaro, who ultimately hired a part-time music teacher to support the program Chris envisioned.

By distributing press releases, starting a GoFundMe page, producing flyers and through word of mouth, Chris was able to collect over 100 instruments for the school, all of which he ensured were in good repair through, often donated, services from local music stores and technicians. His team of 102 volunteers provided 325 hours of service to bring music education to the academy.

Most Blessed Trinity Academy held their first concert on May 17, 2018. The school now offers music education twice a week and participates in weekly Wednesday mass. We are proud to present Chris VanOverberghe with the Northeast Illinois Council Adams Award.

Chris will attend Belmont University in Nashville in the fall to pursue a degree in Audio Engineering and Music Production.

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