On Dec. 14, Troop 488 held a Court of Honor for 14-year-old "Xander" at Sacred Heart Church in Saratoga to recognize and celebrate his achievement.

"I'm really happy," the shy Sporck said at the event.

Almost 100 people, including troop members, their family members, school officials and invited guests braved the torrential rains and strong winds to show the Bellarmine College Preparatory freshman their support and appreciation at the event.

"We're very proud and happy for him," said June Sporck, Xander's mother. "He's a really determined boy and wanted this very much."

It was largely due to perseverance and determination that Xander was able to complete his Eagle Scout requirements at the young age of 13, several speakers said at the event. Since joining Sunnyvale Troop 488 in 1999, Xander worked for and completed all 34 badges, including the 12 required badges for Eagle Scout, within the three years.

Although earning all of the badges was an enjoyable process, Xander said a few in particular stick out in his mind. He said the sailing badge was the most fun, whereas the personal management and environmental science badges were the most challenging.

He added that sailing also taught him how to work with a partner and accomplish something as a team.

Xander—dressed ceremonially in his khaki Scout uniform, sash and neck scarf—observed silently as well-wishers showered him with accolades at the event.

Pat Wahler, development director at Bellarmine, and Terry Ward, Bellarmine athletics director—praised Xander for balancing his schoolwork, athletics, Scouting and other activities well and excelling in all of them.

Besides scouting, Xander, a Saratoga resident, plays the piano for the Sacred Heart Choir. He also plays soccer and speaks Mandarin and some Tagalog.

The event was the fourth Eagle Scout Court of Honor for Troop 488, Polaris District, according to Scout Master Augusta Crutchfield, a resident of Sunnyvale. Crutchfield said the troop, which started on June 20, 1996 in Sunnyvale, has grown in numbers and diversity. Although her troop members may not be big physically, they make up for it in other ways.

"I give them basic management and leadership skills," Crutchfield said after the event. "I train them to build on strategy."

Xander is senior troop leader of the troop, which has 20 members.

"My husband always supports Xander in his Scouting activities," June said. "He goes on camping and hiking trips with him."

Xander has participated in several weeklong camps, hikes and other events in his three years as a Scout.

Becoming an Eagle Scout does not mean the end of his Scouting, he said after the event. He explained that there are several projects that Eagle Scouts can participate in.

"I might one day want to be assistant Scout master," Xander said.

As senior troop leader, Xander does volunteer work at homeless shelters, community centers and homes for the ill and disabled. He also volunteers at the Sacred Heart Church and at Our Lady of Fatima Villa, helping senior citizens.

With such a busy schedule, it's no wonder that Xander's dream is to become a CEO of a company and retire at 30.