Ben Elliott, an Eagle Scout from Troop 199, was recognized as a 2026 Rising Star honoree after using the skills he learned through Scouting to help save his mother’s life during a family vacation in the Bahamas.
While out on the water, Ben’s mother was bitten by a barracuda. Ben immediately administered first aid while his father navigated their boat back to shore. His quick response helped stabilize the injury until his mother could be airlifted to a hospital for emergency surgery. Doctors later credited Ben’s actions as a key factor in saving her life. For his bravery and presence of mind, he received the National Heroism Award, which recognizes Scouts who demonstrate exceptional courage in attempting to save a life.
Beyond this act of heroism, Ben has demonstrated a strong commitment to service. For his Eagle Scout project, he led 22 volunteers in constructing and installing 12 wood duck nesting boxes, contributing more than 300 hours of combined service. The conservation project received the Glenn A. and Melinda W. Adams Award for Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year (Greater Colorado Council) as well as the Monaco South Optimist Club Outstanding Eagle Scout Service Project Award. He also earned the Silver Palm, recognizing continued achievement beyond the Eagle Scout rank.
A graduate of DSST Cedar High School in Denver, Ben competed on the varsity soccer and cross-country teams. He is now a freshman at Montana State University, where he attends as a recipient of the Achievement Award Scholarship.
