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On Sunday, March 18, John Walter Barnes was recognized and honored at his Eagle Court, held at the Spring House Restaurant in Eighty Four, PA.

Pictured (l-r) are Elks representative Mr. Eckman; new Eagle Scout John Walter Barnes; and Troop 1331 Scoutmaster Walt Jarosh.

As related by Walt Jarosh, Troop 1331 Scoutmaster, this will be their 28th Eagle Scout since 1993, when he took over leadership of Troop 1331.

John received many letters and awards of recognition and congratulations from national, state, and local leaders and dignitaries who could not be present at the ceremony. There were three local speakers who awarded the new Eagle Scout. First was Mr. Joe Orient from VFW Post 764 in McMurray. Post 764 is Troop 1331's sponsor, and Mr. Orient is the Boy Scout liaison for Post 764. Mr. David Rhome, mayor of Canonsburg, and Mr. Eugene Eckman, representing the national organization of the BPOE and the local Pittsburgh South Hills Elks Lodge 2213, also presented awards to John.

Mr. Eckman presented two framed award certificates to John, one from the local lodge in Bethel Park, and one from the Grand Lodge in Chicago. He also read a personal letter from the national leader of the Elks to John. John also received a personal-sized US flag and a small gold lapel pin, signifying the 80+ years of a close relationship between the Elks and Scouting.

The final challenge that must be completed to earn this highest rank of the Boy Scouts is a community service achievement called the Eagle project. John's Eagle project benefited the Montour Trail. In a local section of the popular hiking and biking trail, He created an overnight camping area, which included construction of a firewood storage shed, a fire circle, several benches, and picnic tables. He also did some minor landscaping.

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