Chris Bero was motivated to become an Eagle Scout by role models in Troop 350.

Chris Bero gives 'thumbs up' to his work crew at his Eagle Scout project.

“When I joined Scouts, it was pretty much the first time I’d ever gotten to hang out around older, high-school aged kids,” Bero said.

“Witnessing these older teenagers leave suburbia for camping and spend a weekend teaching younger scouts everything from using a pocket knife to water skiing was an excellent experience,” he said.

A Madison native, he is a freshman computer engineering major at the University of Alabama in Huntsville.

For his Eagle project, Bero built pergola seating for teachers at Horizon Elementary School’s track, at principal Rodney Richardson’s request. Bero spent many hours at Home Depot stores and reviewing building plans online. Originally, he estimated $2,000 for supplies but eventually whittled costs to $400.

“We used drills, saws and socket drivers. My dad taught scouts how to use hand-chisels,” he said. Greg Thomas rented and operated a two-person auger.

“Many adults were surprised by how quickly we raised the pergola. Several were skilled with woodworking, and their advice greatly helped assembly. Parents expressed how well the project went together and appeared” at completion, Bero said.

Devoting about 300 hours combined, Bero’s crew included uncle Mark Jackson; Greg and Jani Thomas and Ammon, Aaron, Abram and AnaMaria; Carl Bero, Clark Chambers; Jonathan Akl; Ben Nelson; Jacob Little; Peyton Nelson; Ian, Lisa and Aaron Fraser; Brent Montgomery and Patricia Copeland.

Chris Bero’s interests include website design, welding, repairing his Honda Civic, paintballing and snow and water skiing. He toured China with Madison Jazz.

Bero’s honors include National Merit Commended Scholar, All-State baritone saxophonist, Bob Jones High School Robotics Team and first place in hardware/robotics at Alabama Council for Technology in Education state-level competition. He is a member of Sea Scout Ship 42 and an intern with Von Braun Astronomical Society.

His parents are Carl and Beth Bero. He is a senior computer scientist for DESE Research Inc. She is an enrichment teacher at Horizon. Sister Carolyn is a University of Alabama University senior and sister Kati is a Bob Jones freshman.

The family attends St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, where Chris sings in the folk choir.