Eagles Of Carmel:

 Here at Carmel Christian, students are pushed to do their best, whether that is in school, sports or serving their community. This year, the Blue and Gold is recognizing three students who went above and beyond in their respective fields. Jamison Heisel, Cameron Lyerly and Cody Smith all achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in Boy Scouts. Achieving this rank is no small accomplishment, it takes years of hard work and dedication. These three students stuck with it, and their stories show how much Scouting has shaped who they are today.

 Jamison Heisel

 Heisel got into scouts when he was 10 years old after being inspired by his dad, who was also an Eagle Scout. “He always told me how much it helped him grow as a person,” Heisel said. “I wanted to experience that too.”

 Some of his favorite memories included sailing 50 miles at Sea Base near some of the US Virgin Islands and learning to ski at Winterplace in West Virginia. Heisel really enjoyed these trips and stated that these will be lasting memories that he will cherish forever. However, Heisel said that the most memorable event from his scouting journey was getting the opportunity to lead his troop by being selected as the troop’s Senior Patrol Leader. “That job was no joke,” he said. “You’re not just helping plan stuff, you are making sure that the whole troop runs smoothly. It definitely taught me a lot about leadership.”

 For Heisel’s Eagle project, he renovated an old nature trail that the previous scouts before him had built off Sardis Road. He really wanted to do something that could honor the scouts who paved the way before him. Before reviving this trail, Heisel said that it was not really walkable. So Heisel cleaned up the trail as well as added tree identification signs with QR codes that could educate walkers on the different kinds of trees on the path. “It also honors a Scout who built the original trail years ago.”

 Heisel hopes to go into environmental engineering one day, and he says that Scouts helped spark his love for nature and conservation. Heisel learned valuable lessons throughout his scouting career that will translate to his future opportunities in life.

Cameron Lyerly

 Lyerly got his start in Scouting way back when he lived in Florida, joining Cub Scouts as a Bobcat. He said that what kept him going over the years was the mix of outdoor adventures and friendships. 

 One of the biggest challenges and also fun opportunities he had was a 60 mile backpacking trip at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. “It pushed me more than anything else,” he said. “But finishing it was such an amazing feeling.” Lyerly talked about how much perseverance he gained through scouts, Philmont specifically. He said that the lessons he learned on that trip alone are skills that will help him forever.

 He also took on leadership roles like Patrol Leader and Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, which helped him build confidence and learn how to handle tough situations. “You learn quickly that being a leader isn’t about being in charge, it is about staying calm and helping everyone in your group succeed.”

 For Lyerly’s Eagle Scout project, he built benches and added mulch at his church. It really tested his planning skills and showed him the importance of being prepared for whatever may come. “It taught me not to overthink things and just focus on the task.” Lyerly learned that as long as you have spent the necessary time to plan ahead, then there is no need to worry about the future. 

 Lyerly is so grateful to have achieved this amazing honor. He knows that the confidence he has built in himself to lead will carry on the rest of his life.

Cody Smith

 Smith’s journey in Scouts started in 5th grade, and like Heisel, he was motivated by his dad, who was also an Eagle Scout. “He’s always been proud of that, and I wanted to earn it too,” Smith said that he always admired how his dad achieved the Eagle rank and really wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps. 

 One of Smith’s favorite memories from scouting was an 80-mile backpacking trek to Philmont. “We were out in the mountains for over a week,” he said. “It was hard, but I had a lot of time to think and pray. It really helped me grow in my faith.” Smith stated that this time when he was battling through the harsh conditions of the mountains, he grew much closer to God and realized how important prayer was in his life.

 Smith also took on the role of Senior Patrol Leader, which helped him overcome his fear of public speaking. “At first, I hated talking in front of people,” he said. “But leading the troop helped me get comfortable, and now it’s one of my strengths thanks to Mr. Bash.” Smith talked about how he had to go in front of his church to give speeches for the troop, and he continually improved over time with the comfort of speaking in crowds.

Smith’s Eagle project involved renovating the landscaping at his church office, including removing all of the dead plants, adding new mulch and plants, and installing a new irrigation system for the church. “I really wanted to do a project that could help my church out. Where I go to church is so important for me and has done so much in my life, so just to give back to them a little bit was a really cool opportunity,” Smith stated.

 Smith learned what it means to lead and persevere through the different trials and tribulations that life will throw at you through scouting, and his journey is something that he will forever be grateful for. 

Cougar Pride

 Carmel Christian is beyond proud of Smith, Heisel, and Lyerly for the hard work they have put in to reach this prestigious accomplishment. Earning the Eagle Scout rank takes serious effort, time, and dedication. It is not just about camping and badges, it is about learning valuable life skills that will impact your future. It is about growing into a leader, learning to serve others, and finishing strong. These three guys have shown what it means to work hard and stick with it, and they have definitely left their mark.