Aliquippa Boy Scout honored for his work and dedication for the community

 Troop 496 Boy Scout Gavin Phillips not only received his Eagle Scout status this year, but he also has earned all 137 known merit badges, which less than 500 of all Boy Scouts have done.

ALIQUIPPA — Mayor Dwan Walker first met Gavin Phillips in 2014 when the latter had written the book “Saving a Galapagos Penguin Family.”

Now, eight years later, Walker and Phillips met again, this time for the mayor to issue a proclamation recognizing Phillips for his achievement in receiving Eagle Scout honors in July dedication example.

Walker presented that proclamation to Phillips last Thursday just before Christmas.

Aliquippa Mayor Dwan Walker presented a proclamation to Gavin Phillips to honor his achievements and contributions to the community.

He said Phillips, who is a member of Boy Scout Troop 496, is just the second person from Aliquippa to achieve Eagle Scout honors.

He said not only is Phillips part of the just 6% of Scouts to achieve that honor, but Phillips has also accomplished what less than 500 Boy Scouts has ever done, earning all 137 merit badges that are currently available.

“That means dedication, integrity, accountability, all the standards that Eagle Scouts are known for,” Walker said.

Pictured is Dwan Walker first meeting Gavin Phillips in 2014 after Phillips wrote and published the first of his two books.

Walker said Phillips has helped give back to the community over the years, from cleaning up trash on Route 51, to growing gardens whose produce are donated to local food banks.

When he was younger, attending the Baden Academy Charter School, he wrote two books about penguins, the aforementioned “Saving a Galapagos Penguin Family” in 2014, and “The Little Blue Penguins of North Sydney Harbour” in 2015.

Gavin Phillip's first book, written in 2014, titled "Saving a Galapagos Penguin Family," benefitted the National Aviary.

For the first book, proceeds were given to the National Aviary, while with the second book, all proceeds benefitted Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife in Sydney, Australia.

Walker said over the years, Phillips has not only discovered many hidden talents and passions, but he has learned to give back to the community and help those in need.

Gavin Phillip's second book, written in 2015, titled "The Little Blue Penguins of North Sydney Habour," benefitted the Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife in Sydney, Australia.

“You already have everything that you need to be an Eagle Scout and to be a great human being,” Walker said. “We want to thank you for all that you have done. You are a good man.”

Added Walker: “You not only represent Beaver County, you represent A-L-I-Q-U-I-P-P-A.”

Walker wanted to also recognize Phillips’ family, while Councilwoman Jennifer Milliner said Phillips is a true trailblazer and an example for other youth to follow.

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“We are honored to have you as one of our youth in Aliquippa,” she said.

Nicholas Vercilla is a staff reporter for the Beaver County Times and Ellwood City Ledger. He can be reached at nvercilla@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Beaver County Times: Aliquippa Boy Scout earns Eagle Scout honors