Six Students Achieve Eagle Scout Rank

Santa Margarita Catholic High School proudly celebrates six students who have earned the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout. This is an honor that reflects years of leadership, service and dedication. Among them, three best friends from Troop 818 completed their journey together, a testament to the bonds that are formed through scouting. Congratulations to these students on their admirable achievements.

Tyler Kooman '27 – Troop 818

Tyler Kooman’s Eagle Scout project was a soil conservation and restoration effort at the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center. Continuing Troop 818’s long-standing tradition of environmental improvement, Kooman led more than 30 volunteers in planting 850 native shrubs and trees along the park’s borders. The 220-hour project will have a lasting impact on the community. He remembers attending summer camp at Emerald Bay on Catalina Island as a highlight of his Scouting experience and believes achieving the Eagle rank reflects the values he’s held since he was a Cub Scout.

“Being an Eagle Scout is reflective of my values, I set a goal as a Cub Scout to finish strong as an Eagle Scout and wanted to make this happen,” said Kooman.

Cole Cook '25 – Troop 772

Cole Cook’s Eagle Scout project involved replacing Cub Scout rank signs at the Laguna Niguel Botanical Gardens, continuing a tradition his troop has long maintained. The 81-hour project was a labor of love and a meaningful contribution to a place cherished by generations of Scouts. Cook, who recalls his Philmont High Adventure trek as a favorite memory, views earning the Eagle rank as the culmination of years of commitment to the Scouting program. His Scouting journey included unforgettable experiences such as sailing in the Caribbean and hiking the Trans-Catalina Trail.

Nicholas DeMaria '27 – Troop 113

Nicholas DeMaria earned his Eagle rank by building flag stands for his alma mater, Mission Basilica School, which were needed for a school event. Spending over 40 hours on the project, DeMaria saw the opportunity as a meaningful way to give back to a place that had shaped him. He fondly remembers camping and fishing on Catalina Island as highlights of his time in Scouting. Becoming an Eagle Scout was a lifelong milestone.

Brock Schroder '26 – Troop 818

Brock Schroder completed his Eagle Scout project by constructing and installing a lodgepole fence. With a passion for building and a desire to take on something both fun and beneficial, Schroeder spent 50 hours bringing his project to life. He recalls beach camping as a favorite Scouting memory and says the journey to Eagle Scout was especially meaningful because he achieved it alongside two of his best friends.

Ryder Hutchinson '26 – Troop 818

Ryder Hutchinson designed and installed directional signage for St. Edward to help visitors navigate the campus. His project took 56 hours and demonstrated his commitment to improving his local community. Hutchinson’s favorite memory is backpacking on Catalina Island. His Eagle Scout journey was driven by a desire to grow as a leader and form lasting friendships. He especially enjoyed earning merit badges, the highlight being his scuba diving certification.

Brendan Relvas '26 – Troop 818

For Brendan Relvas, the road to Eagle Scout was a long-time goal, inspired by his early days as a Tiger Cub and his three older brothers who also earned the rank. Relvas chose to repaint and refresh two baseball backstops in Mission Viejo, as a way of giving back to the fields he once played on. His 20-hour project reflects both pride in his community and gratitude for the memories built there. One of his most unforgettable Scouting experiences was sleeping in a makeshift shelter on Parson’s Beach in Catalina where it was windy, sleepless and fun. A 42-mile backpacking trip in Sequoia National Park reinforced love for the outdoors and passion for adventure.