KELSEYVILLE— Jeffrey Amendola, a senior at Kelseyville High School, has been active in the Boy Scouts of America program for nearly 10 years and has recently earned the rank of Eagle, scouting’s highest award. In doing so he joins an elite group where it is estimated that only 4 percent of all youth who join Boy Scouts will attain the rank of Eagle.
Amendola started his scouting career in 2009 at the age of 8 when he joined Cub Scout troop No. 138, sponsored by the Kelseyville Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His mother, Liz, was his den leader throughout his three years as a Cub Scout. There he participated in a wide variety of fun activities including Pinewood Derby Races, hiking, field trips to the fire station and police departments, and riding in the Kelseyville Light Parade. During this time Amendola earned the Arrow of Light award, the highest rank in Cub Scouting.
At the age of 11, Amendola joined Boy Scout troop No. 38. There he has participated in many outdoor adventures around Northern California. He has held several leadership positions and is currently serving as the troop’s senior patrol leader. He has earned a total of 29 merit badges including first aid, camping, water sports, search and rescue, wilderness survival, engineering, and many other badges covering a wide variety of skills.
Additionally, every Eagle Scout must complete a significant service project that is of benefit to the community, and Amendola’s project was definitely no small task. His Eagle Scout project involved designing and constructing a sand volleyball court at Kelseyville High School. The project took more than six months and more than 350 total man hours of labor to complete. He is very appreciative to the Kelseyville Unified School District for providing much of the funding for the job, to several local businesses who made donations, and to the many friends, neighbors and fellow scouters who donated their time and efforts. He is especially grateful to Donelle McCallister and Erick Larsen, teachers at the high school who spent a large amount of time helping the original ideas become a reality. The volleyball court is now being used and enjoyed by students and members of the community.
In addition to Amendola’s scouting activities, he keeps very busy running for Kelseyville High School’s track and cross country teams. He is also a member of the high school’s K-CORPS search and rescue organization where he currently serves as the squad one deader. Amendola has also participated in the school’s band program since 5th grade. He is currently a member of the concert, jazz and pep bands where he has recently been spotted roaming through the bleachers at football games and riding in the Kelseyville Pear Festival parade playing the baritone saxophone.
After graduating from high school this summer, Amendola plans to serve a full-time two year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He then plans to attend a four year university.
An Eagle Scout Court of Honor was held earlier this month at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on 16th Street in Lakeport where Amendola was honored for his exceptional accomplishment.
