Northeast Illinois Council recognizes 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. He 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" 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 more than 100 instruments for the school, all of which he ensured were in good repair through services from local music stores and technicians, often donated.
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 May 17, 2018. The school now offers music education twice a week and participates in weekly Wednesday Mass.
Chris VanOverberghe will attend Belmont University in Nashville in the fall to pursue a degree in audio engineering and music production.
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