Eagle Scout: Ruffsdale teen achieves rank

What do former president Gerald Ford, film director and producer Steven Spielberg, astronaut James Lovell, and most recently, Shawn Billheimer of Ruffsdale have in common?

They are all Eagle Scouts.

Billheimer, a Southmoreland High School junior and member of Boy Scout Troop #130 achieved the Eagle Scout rank and was recognized by his troop in a ceremony on April 1 at its meeting place, the Scottdale Church of Christ.

For his Eagle service project, Billheimer chose to aid his church, Calvin United Presbyterian in Scottdale.

The church had no schematic drawings that included electrical information. Billheimer sketched each room and hallway, noting electrical outlets, lights and light switches, and fuse boxes, and created a final set of plans for the church.

Billheimer says troop leader Gary Bell, an electrician and member of Calvin United, suggested the project.

Billheimer's mother, Lisa Suter, says she was not surprised that his project involved drawings.

"He likes to draw," she says, "He's always been interested in art."

Troop leader John Brothers explains that part of the project involves the future Eagle Scout acting as manager, involving the rest of the troop in the project and overseeing their work.

Billheimer says the other Boy Scouts helped take measurements of the rooms and reviewed his drawings in the rooms to ensure accuracy during the three months it took to complete the project.

Suter says an interesting facet of the project for the boys was discovering rooms in the church that had been closed off, making the project also a bit of an "adventure" for them.

After Billheimer completed the drawings on paper, he used a laptop computer to create the final drawings.

He says the project was a new experience for him, and he learned a lot about architectural drawings during the project.

Suter says the troop leaders, Hepler and Billheimer's friends were a great support to her son throughout the project. She also credits Southmoreland High School for its commitment to integrating computers into the curriculum, giving Billheimer the skills to complete the project.

The Rev. James Hepler, pastor of Calvin United Presbyterian, says the project is definitely of value to the church. Billheimer's drawings will be used as a reference if work is needed in the church.

The service project is only a part of the requirements for the Eagle Scout rank; Billheimer had to demonstrate a commitment to service in the community, earn 21 merit badges, and serve in a leadership capacity within the troop.

In addition to the ceremony with his troop, Calvin United Presbyterian also recognized Billheimer in the April 7 worship service.

Hepler says after Billheimer received his pin in the service, other Eagle Scouts in the congregation were invited to join him for recognition, including another new Eagle Scout, Shawn Bryson, and Troop 130 leader Bell.

Along with his Scouting activities, Billheimer is a member of the SHS Art Council and wrestling and track teams. He is also an active member of the youth group at Calvin United Presbyterian Church.

After graduating from high school, Billheimer would like to attend an art institute.