Teen earns Eagle Scout status

DOWNEY - Downey resident Anthony Gamboz, 16, earned the rank of Eagle Scout at his board of review in December, and helped beautify the city in the process.Attaining Eagle status, the highest rank in scouting and achieved by only about 5 percent of Boy Scouts, requires the completion of an extensive service project that the scout plans, organizes, leads and manages. Anthony's project was to clean-up an undeveloped area of Downey and plant a community garden. The area had little vegetation, and was a magnet for trash and graffiti. Since Anthony completed the project last August, Anthony and neighbors have maintained the garden, kept the area free from trash, and it has not been vandalized with graffiti since its makeover. Now a sophomore in high school, Anthony began as a Cub Scout with OLPH Catholic School Troop 9. During his eight years as a scout, he has earned 24 merit badges and all religious medals for the Catholic faith, including Light of Christ, Parvuli Dei, and Ad Altare Dei. He anticipates completing the requirements for the Poep Pius XII medal in March. Anthony's scoutmaster is Jim Kulleck. ********** Published: January 9, 2009 - Volume 7 - Issue 38