By PHOEBE DONALD ROBINSON / Community Columnist

Eagle Scout Nicholas Chapple, a sophomore at Shelby County High School, was honored to represent all Boy Scouts in the Greater Birmingham area at the American Values Luncheon, sponsored by the Greater Alabama Council.

He spoke to the capacity filled crowd at the Birmingham Civic Center with family, friends and fellow scouts in attendance.

The annual fundraiser raised $1.2 million for Alabama Boy Scouts.

Coach Gus Malzahn of Auburn University was the keynote speaker. Three 2015 Heart of the Eagle Awards were given to honorees: Miller Gorrie, chairman of board, Brasfield & Gorrie; Terry Kellogg, president and CEO Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama; and Charles McCrary, retired chairman of board, president and CEO of Alabama Power.

Chapple was chosen to speak on behalf of all Boy Scouts in the Greater Birmingham area at the luncheon.

He is the son of Connie and Felix Chapple of Columbiana and has one brother, Cameron. He is a member of Troop 588 of Wilsonville, Don Langler scoutmaster.

He recently completed his Eagle project at Elvin Hill Elementary School, an outside pavilion with two tables where students can sit and visit.

He received the DAR Good Citizenship Award while a student at Columbiana Middle School. He is a member of FFF, Leadership Shelby County, plays football and is a member of the Order of the Arrow in scouts.

Chapple is very active in his church Harvest Place, Bishop Wales Williams, Jr., and serves as a junior deacon.

“My brother is so faithful to his church,” said brother Cameron. “He is a leader to me and to everyone.”

“Being a part of Boy Scouts has allowed me to believe and have faith in myself,” said Chapple in excerpts of his speech. “Scouting has shown me that I can achieve anything through Christ who strengthens me … I have been able to achieve my dream and goals of becoming a mentor and leader with help from my mentor, Scoutmaster Don Langler. I am most grateful for my mom who was my Cub master and a driving inspiration for me … I have learned the value of becoming an Eagle Scout and hope to become a great leader.”