Kyle Kittelberger of Boy Scout Troop 215 of Coachman's Trail in North Raleigh obtained the rank of Eagle Scout on April 27. Kyle is 14 years old and is an eighth grader at Ravenscroft School.

For Kyle's Eagle project, he led his troop and other volunteers in building an 80-foot wetland boardwalk with an observation deck for the viewing of native and migratory birds and animals at Falls Lake.

The boardwalk is open to the general public and will be used regularly for guided tours. The ranger staff will conduct bird, night and wildlife management hikes using the boardwalk.

In addition to scouting, Kyle has been on High Honor Roll throughout middle school at Ravenscroft and a member of the JV Cross Country and Track & Field teams. He is also active in the Wake Audubon Society.

Kyle is the son of Keith and Reah Kittelberger and a third generation Eagle Scout.

Leesville student learns leadership

James Murdock has been selected to attend the Legislators School for Youth Leadership Development on the East Carolina University campus June 14-20. In the program, which is funded by the North Carolina General Assembly, James will attend classes and participate in activities designed to enhance leadership skills, compete in an outdoor challenge program and participate in a community service project.

James is a student at Leesville Road High School and is the son of Denise Murdock.

Girl Scout earns Gold Award

Jessica Corley of Girl Scout Troop 326 has earned the Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest achievement in Girl Scouts. For her project, she developed and taught an "Introduction to Music" program at St. Raphael Hispanic Family Center's after-school program.

The North Raleigh resident is also a member of the Tri-M International Honor Society for High School Musicians, the National Honor Society and the Spanish Honor Society. She also played the flute in her high school concert band for four years.

Jessica is a senior at Raleigh Charter High School. She is the daughter of Cary and Jean Corley.

'Heroic' cop wins officer of the year

Corporal Doug P. Royalty of the Raleigh Police Department has been selected by the North Raleigh Optimist Club as the Policeman of the Year.

The award was presented during Respect for the Law Day meeting of the North Raleigh Optimist Club Monday. Royalty is seen here being presented with the award by Cathy Potter, president of the club.

The club cited Royalty, a 14-year veteran of the Raleigh Police Department, for his hard work and "heroic actions."