Evan was born October 30, 1986, in Columbia, MD to Daniel Gross and Barbara Maurer.  Evan has an older brother, Erik, and a younger sister, Bridget.  In 1992, Evan and his family moved to Berwyn, where he attended Hillside Elementary and T-E Middle School.  In 1998, Evan and his family moved to Charlestown Township where he joined the Great Valley School District.

During his youth at Hillside, Evan joined BSA Pack 112 and rose through the ranks to become a Webelos Scout. One of the highlights of Evan’s Cub Scouting days was competing at the county level in the Pine Wood Derby.  He vividly recalls his car placing fifteenth!  Following Webelos, Evan left scouting to follow other paths of excitement. 

Evan’s older brother, Erik, was active in Devon 50, and the reason for Evan’s return to the scouting community, 3 years later. With his father and brother, Evan went on the West Virginia caving trip and was hooked on scouting after that trip.

Devon 50 provided many opportunities for Evan, such as caving, skiing at Elk Mt., biking on the 184 mile Potomac trip, backpacking, summer camping at Camp Horseshoe, and other exciting experiences.

Evan’s most memorable moment in scouting occurred on the 184 mile bike trip, where his best friend, Josh Smethers, attempted to jump a lock, and  fell, breaking his collarbone.  Evan jumped into action assisting in Josh’s safe exit off the trail and to the ambulance.

Outside of scouting, Evan organized the GVHS Mountain Bike Club, was Captain of the Varsity Cross Country team, and has held multiple jobs since seventh grade. 

Evan graduated from Great Valley High School in June 2004.  Currently, he is attending Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa., majoring in Environmental Sciences.

Evan is grateful to the Scoutmasters, especially Messieurs Roxby, Davis, Haerland, Coonley, Scott and Family, for their support throughout his scouting career.  In addition, Evan is thankful to Mrs. Karen Smith for her assistance on his road to Eagle Scout.  Evan realizes that without the support of friends and family (Thanks! Dad) the goal of Eagle would have been difficult to achieve, especially when completing the Eagle project.                  

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