Md. Eagle Scout Up For American Spirit Award

DAVIDSONVILLE, Md. (WJZ) -- It's an award that embodies the spirit of excellence and this year, you can help pick the winner.  Boys' Life Magazine is selecting a recipient for the American Spirit Award. 

Tim Williams reports a local candidate is more than qualified to receive it. 

"It's pretty amazing.  Yeah, it's kind of overwhelming, actually," said Tyler "TJ" Ellwein.

But it's real.  And, at 19, Ellwein has not only achieved Scouting's highest level of Eagle, but is now in the running to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation's prestigious American Spirit Award.

"I definitely didn't do it for this.  Once I did my project, I didn't expect this much recognition," Ellwein said.

The project that launched his visibility was cleaning up Chaplain's Hill, a section of Arlington National Cemetery reserved for military chaplains.  After more than 400 hours of fundraising, paperwork and preparation, Ellwein organized and led a crew to give 400 headstones an overdue cleaning. 

The project was inspired by his parents.

"Both my parents are very highly ranked in the military and they're definitely great leaders.  I get to follow after them," Ellwein said.

"I think the one thing I appreciate about TJ the most right now is his humbleness.  He realizes this nomination isn't about him; it's about all the others that helped him get there," said his parents, Dianne and Fred Ellwein.

TJ's competing with three other nominees.

For more information on voting, click here.