For the Reporter

Auburn Boy Scout Troop 401’s Lee Vandeberg and Steven Ernst Jr. earned Eagle Scout honors at a Dec. 20 Court of Honor ceremony at First United Methodist Church.

Vandeberg, a senior at Auburn Riverside High School, has been a member of Troop 401 since 2009 and joins his brother, Ryan Georgi, in the Eagle’s nest.

For his Eagle project, Vandeberg designed and built a 10-by-12-foot sandbox for the playground at Alpac Elementary School in Pacific.

He participated in a hiking trip at Philmont Scout reservation in New Mexico this past summer with his troop.

After graduation, Vandeberg plans to pursue a career in computer programming and volunteer as an assistant scoutmaster for Troop 401. In his spare time, he will continue in high adventures with crew 401.

Ernst was born and raised in Tacoma. He is a senior at William H. Harrison Preparatory High School in Lakewood.

He started his scouting journey as a fourth-grader, joining Pack 412 in Lakewood as a Webelos Scout. He earned his Arrow of light and bridged over to Boy Scouts into Troop 51 in Lakewood. He later moved to Troop 436 and later Troop 401 to continue his scouting career.

Ernst has done Boy Scouts National Youth Leadership Training as a participant and a leader. He began volunteering at scout camps when he was 9 years old.

Ernst is active in his school as part of the Audio Visual (AV) club. He earned a varsity letter in community service. Ernst is an avid rower and has been a part of Commencement Bay Rowing Club since eighth grade.

Steven participated in a hiking trip at Philmont Scout reservation in New Mexico this past summer with crew 401. His love for scouting continues.