First published in the Dec. 29 print issue of the Outlook Valley Sun.
Three young men from Troop 507 in La Cañada Flintridge recently became Eagle Scouts.
Adithya Powaku
Adithya Powaku started his scouting experience in Cub Scouts at La Cañada Elementary.
His journey has lasted 11 years to finally come to a close at an Eagle Scout. Adithya’s favorite and most memorable trips were White Water River Rafting along the American river and hiking the sand dunes in Death Valley. These trips have worked to build his independence and craftsmanship, as well as teach Adithya leadership skills.
During Adithya’s Eagle Project, which was building a massive 16-by-16-foot pergola (outdoor roof for shade) at the local Hahamonga Plant Nursery. This project took months of planning and careful consideration, which took the help of many troop leaders and outside professionals. The project was completed and furnished in two weeks and is still the first thing you notice when you walk into the Nursery. This project is one of Adithya’s biggest accomplishments.
Outside of Scouting, Adithya also volunteers at Huntington Hospital, where he helps to transport patients. He enjoys playing tennis and is taking a college course in the field of movement, psychology and government. Adithya enjoys being active in his community and going out with friends at the local Town Center. His experiences in Scouting have invigorated his social skills and taste for adventure.
Aidan Schmitigal
Aidan Schmitigal started his scouting experience with Cub Scouts at La Cañada Elementary School.
He earned his Arrow of Light and bridged over to La Cañada Boy Scout Troop 507 in 2015. In his seven years with Troop 507, Aidan served as a patrol leader, den chief and webmaster. He enjoyed rock climbing, white water rafting and ziplining trips and supported many hours of service projects in the community.
Aidan’s Eagle project benefited the Child Educational Center. He improved the sandbox area in the Whale room by building and installing two large decks, custom-made storage shelves, benches and a foot washing station. The project took over 300 hours with the help of many friends and Scout volunteers.
Aidan attended La Cañada High School where he participated in the student-run group LCiTeam and received an award for Outstanding Achievement in Computer Science. He graduated in 2022 and is now attending Oregon State University as a computer science major.
Winston Cho
Winston Cho started his scouting experience in Boy Scouts at La Cañada Elementary School.
In his six years spent with Troop 507, Winston served as a patrol leader, webmaster, scribe and assistant senior patrol leader. His most memorable experiences were the rock climbs at Joshua Tree and the sand dunes of Death Valley.
Winston’s Eagle Project was for the La Cañada Unified School District office, he improved the outdoor sitting area of the district office. He worked to build a cinder block sitting wall and a flagstone walkway in the area. The project took several months of planning and coordination with experts, and the project lasted for two days where it was helped by many volunteers.
Winston is a senior at La Cañada High School, taking multiple AP courses along with a college course in multivariable calculus. On the side, he enjoys playing frisbee and hanging out with his friends.
Over the years, Winston participated and served as a delegate at the YMCA’s Youth in Government conferences and recently graduated from JPL’s 2022 International Space Academy.
