Twin Brothers In Orland Park Troop Earn Eagle Scout Rank

ORLAND PARK, IL — Twin brothers and graduates of Victor J. Andrew High School have earned the rank of Eagle Scout—the highest honor in scouting.

Brothers Adel and Omar Nofal belong to Troop 318 in Orland Park, and become the troop's 244th and 225th Eagle Scouts in its 87-year history, its leaders said.

The Eagle Scout rank, achieved by only about 6 percent of Scouts nationwide, requires earning at
least 21 merit badges, demonstrating leadership, and completing a significant community
service project.

While working towards the rank of eagle, Scouts must plan, develop, and give leadership to others in a service project helpful to any religious institution, school, or their community.

Adel Nofal's Eagle Scout project was to build a Little Free Library and install it at an apartment complex in Orland Hills to provide easier access to books for young children. Adel worked with Scouts to assemble the kit, and oversaw a group of Scouts who installed the library.

Omar Nofal's Eagle Scout Project was collecting pet supplies and delivering them to NAWS Humane Society in Mokena. Omar worked with Scouts to distribute bags with flyers to homes in their neighborhoods, and they returned the next week to pick up the supplies.

Both men completed their Boards of Review on August 14, marking the culmination of years of dedication, leadership, and service, troop leaders said.

“They did an amazing job in learning and growing from being boys turning to men with the scout leaders as their guide and support system,” said Khawla Mashni, the twins’ mother.

Adel Nofal excelled in both academics and athletics. As a member of the swim and water polo teams, he earned multiple medals, the “Most Improved Varsity Player” award in swimming, and the “Sportsmanship Award” in water polo. His participation in athletics taught him strategic thinking, patience, teamwork, discipline, accountability, and resilience, troop leaders said. Adel maintained a high GPA, took AP courses, and was active in the Diversity Club, celebrating his cultural heritage through dance. He also received the Scholarship Booster Club Award to assist with college. Adel plans to pursue a degree in aviation, and will begin classes at Moraine Valley this fall.

Omar Nofal balanced athletics, academics, and community service with distinction. He competed in swim and tennis, developing perseverance, time management, leadership, and sportsmanship. He graduated in the top 10% of his class, completing multiple AP courses in subjects ranging from physics to literature. Omar earned 110 hours of community service through local shelters, food drives, environmental cleanups, and school events. He was an active member of the National Honor Society, graduating with honors. He also took on a mentorship role for underclass students, guiding them in academics and extracurricular activities. Omar plans to pursue a career in biology, studying at Loyola University this fall.

Founded in 1938, Troop 318 is open to boys and girls ages 11-17 and has a long tradition of developing young leaders through outdoor adventure, skill-building, and community service.

"The Nofal brothers’ achievements reflect the troop’s commitment to guiding Scouts toward personal growth, academic excellence, and civic responsibility," troop leaders said.

For more information on Troop 318, visit their website.