Leadership often begins with a choice to step up. For Bella, the 2026 Scout of the Year, that choice came when she helped build her troop from the ground up, shaping the experiences and growth of countless fellow Scouts through service, mentorship, and living the Scout Oath and Law.
Bella is a Life Scout and a founding member of Troop 3126 in Peoria. Since joining at age 13, inspired by her brother’s adventures, she has dedicated herself to making a difference.
“I started scouting because of my brother… I was a little jealous and so I joined scouting. My favorite part is helping other people. I love to mentor younger scouts so much and help them grow into better people.”
From serving as Senior Patrol Leader during the troop’s first year and a half to later becoming a Troop Guide, Bella has consistently mentored younger Scouts, demonstrating integrity, dedication, and passion for the ideals of Scouting.
“I feel passionately about all the ideals of scouting… I helped found the troop and served as the SPL for like 2 years. We got all these girls brand new to scouting… and it's great to see that they are succeeding so much.”
Her leadership extends beyond her troop through the Order of the Arrow, where she has served as a troop representative, election facilitator, and Elangomat multiple times, guiding new candidates and inspiring others to live the Scout Oath and Law.
Bella’s Eagle project reflects both creativity and compassion: she designed and built a sensory cart for neurodiverse preschoolers, leaving a lasting impact on her community. Her adventurous spirit and commitment to learning are evident in her Scouting experiences.
Living the Scout Oath and Law
For Bella, the Scout Oath and Law provide a shared foundation that guides her in every adventure.
“The good thing about the Scout Oath and Law is that when you go into an event with scouting, everybody’s on the same page… it’s really great starting point to go and do all these adventures.”
Bella encourages other Scouts to embrace independence, confidence, and personal growth through Scouting.
“You grow into such a more independent and confident person…you can pitch a tent, cook yourself a meal, be good for the night, and that’s just so freeing.”
Inspired by the women who guided her and driven by a desire to serve, Bella continues to make a lasting mark on her troop, her community, and all the Scouts she mentors. Her leadership, creativity, and dedication reflect the best of Scouting.
As the 2026 Scout of the Year, Bella shows that Scouting isn’t just about the skills you learn—it’s about who you become and how you lift others along the way.
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