From strangers to brothers, 3 Valley teens reach Scouts' highest rank together

YOUNGSTOWN

Three teenagers will stand before their peers, friends and family at their court-of-honor ceremony when they become Eagle Scouts, the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouts of America, at St. Christine Church and Parish Hall Sunday evening.

Brandon Colangelo, 17, Kiel Fizet, 18, and Tyler Bartell, 17, all became good friends as Cub Scouts and grew over the years in Boy Scout Troop 22. When they neared gaining their Eagle Scout rank, the three agreed to do it together.

“Most people don’t reach Eagle Scouts,” Colangelo said. “We decided, ‘Since all of us are such great friends, why don’t we have the celebration together at the ceremony?’”

Jim Bartell, Tyler’s father, and Troop 22 scoutmaster, said he couldn’t feel prouder, not just of his son, but of all three boys whom he’s known for years for reaching such an honor.

“I’ve seen these boys go from not knowing how to lead to being leaders, from not knowing each other to being brothers,” he said.

Read more about these young men and how they came to achieve this honor in Saturday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.