On Friday, Mason Everett, a member of Boy Scout Troop 82 of Lehighton, was honored at his Eagle Scout Court of Honor Ceremony at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lehighton.

Mason's Eagle Scout Service Project consisted of fabricating five bat houses and placing them in Lehighton and Franklin Township. Overall, his project spanned 125 hours.Master of Ceremonies Duane Reichard said the purpose of the evening was to honor Everett for attaining Scouting's highest rank, the Eagle Scout award."This is a great moment worthy of celebration," Reichard said. "On behalf of Boy Scout Troop 82, I welcome all of you to this Eagle Court of Honor."Reichard then introduced key troop leaders, representatives of the chartered organization, presenters, and special guests.Reichard explained the Stages of Scouting."In just a few short years, Mason Everett has undergone a miraculous transformation," he said. "From someone who struggled to memorize the Oath and Law, to someone who lives those words; from someone who wanted to go camping, to someone who's been camping many times; from someone who needed to be led, to someone who can lead others."Eagle Scout Zach Shiner discussed the requirements of an Eagle Scout.Shiner said that in terms of badges, Mason has earned the Scout Badge and the ranks of Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and finally, Eagle.Along the way, Shiner said Mason has earned 12 required merit badges and nine elective merit badges, served in troop leadership positions for a total of 16 months, and spent at least 13 hours on service projects, not including the many hours spent on his Eagle Scout service project.In all, Shiner said Mason has completed about 325 different requirements.Scoutmaster Scot Wingert made the presentation of the Eagle Badge.Wingert reflected on Mason's earliest experiences and his growth in scouting."By becoming an Eagle Scout, you gain more than a pretty medal to wear," Wingert said. "You also gain some important responsibilities."Afterward, all the Eagle Scouts in attendance repeated the Eagle Scout Promise.Mason is the son of Michael and Sandra Everett. His mother pinned the Eagle medal on Everett's uniform.Mason then pinned the Eagle mother's pin on his mother.His father, Michael presented Mason with the Scout Certificate.In turn, Mason presented his father with an Eagle Lapel pin.Mason thanked those attending, adding, "It means a lot to me."Mason presented his mentor pin to his grandfather, Carl Everett."Also, I would like to thank everyone in my life for guiding me and molding me into the person I am today," he said. "I am so grateful for everything, and I would like to give this plaque to Scot, our Scoutmaster, and to all the scouts of Troop 82, I donate my Service account of $178 towards the purchase of new tents."Additional presentations were given by Donald Rehrig, mayor of Lehighton, state Rep. Doyle Heffley, Carbon County Sheriff Dwight Nothstein, and Lee Becker, Trinity Church representative.Reichard also mentioned other congratulatory certificates Mason received.Refreshments were served in Luther Hall.Mason will begin working toward his future goals at Purdue University, where he will major in Computer Science.