Christopher Banks

Christopher Banks from Herrin, Illinois has been awarded the $3,000 Emmett J Doerr Memorial Scout Scholarship. He belongs to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in the Diocese of Belleville and is a member of Scouting America Troop 7085 and Crew 7004 in the Greater St Louis Area Council.

Banks truly embodies the idea of servant leadership. When asked why volunteering is important to him, he responded, “Volunteering is a meaningful and enjoyable service where I am doing God’s will to build a better community and world through my acts of kindness and generosity.”

In service to the Catholic Church, Banks volunteered at Our Lady of Mount Carmel as an altar server for eight years, was a member of the youth group, a mission trip participant and volunteered at church events. Banks earned all four of the Catholic Religious Emblems offered by Catholic Scouting America, including the Light of Christ, Parvuli Dei, Ad Altare Dei and Pope Pius XII.

Banks served his community by participating in community cleanups with the Rotary Club, assisting other Scouts with their Eagle projects and volunteering with the Honor Flight to support veterans. He also served as a youth coach and referee for the Carterville Soccer League and participated in the Science Club at the public library.

At Herrin High School, Banks is a member of the National Honor Society. He demonstrated extensive leadership and involvement across numerous activities, including serving as the founder of the Chess Club and an officer for the French Language Club. He was also active in the band, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Future Business Leaders and the Interact Club. Banks was a multi-sport athlete, competing in varsity football, soccer and tennis.

In Scouting, Banks held numerous leadership positions in his troop, including senior patrol leader, and holds Vigil Honors in the Order of the Arrow (OA), Scouting America’s honor society. He has held OA leadership positions as section officer, chapter chief and chapter officer. Banks served on staff for National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT), Council Camp Staff and Order of the Arrow events. For his Eagle project, Banks led a team of volunteers to build a large-scale outdoor chess and checkers board at Herrin City Park. He secured $1,000 in funding and coordinated the installation of sand, pavers and game pieces, providing the community with a permanent, accessible space for strategic play and learning.

This year, Catholic Scouting America awarded fifteen service scholarships totaling $40,000 to recognize Catholic Scouts nationwide for outstanding service and leadership in four areas: the Catholic Church, their community, school and Scouting. Since 2005, Catholic Scouting America (NCCS) has awarded a total of $348,000 in scholarships to 146 Scouts nationwide.