Caleb-Cole Caneda, 17, of Boy Scout Troop 23, was presented with Scouts BSA’s highest rank of Eagle Scout at a Court of Honor held Jan. 5 at Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin’s Sangha Hall, sponsor of Scouts BSA Troop 23.
Less than 4% of all Scouts in the U.S. currently reach the coveted Eagle rank.
An Eagle Scout exhibits superior leadership qualities and selfless behavior toward others. Caneda served as a chaplain aide, scribe, historian and senior patrol leader during his journey to attain the rank of Eagle Scout. At the Heritage Christian Fellowship Church, he serves as a crew leader for the Vacation Bible Study for grade school level children.
Caneda found his most exciting and challenging scouting activity to be hiking/camping in the back country of Halepe in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where scouting skills were valuable.
His Eagle Scout Service Project consisted of constructing and installing three benches with seat backs at the Heritage Christian Fellowship Church.
A senior at Waiakea High School, Caneda plans to enlist in the U.S. Navy after graduating from high school this spring.
He is the son of Allen and Tasha Amaral of Hilo.