Boy Scout Troop 82, Lehighton proudly saw another of it's members reach the rank of Eagle Scout.

Nicholas Alan Kern, son of Keith and Grace Kern of Lehighton was recognized at an Eagle Scout Court of Honor held May 22 at Zion United Church of Christ Church, Lehighton.His Eagle Scout project consisted of making a trail, moving signs, making stepping stones across a channel and also making rock steps at the Lehigh Gap Nature Center in Lehigh Township. The trail, after it was redone by Kern, was renamed the Prairie Warbler Trail.Master of ceremonies at the Court of Honor was Dr. Michael Everett. James Henderson conveyed the Court of Honor.For Kern, this was his sixth time to receive a new rank. His trail to Eagle Scout started in 2004 when he attained the Arrow of Light, moving through the ranks of Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life and finally Eagle.Kern earned 24 merit badges, spent a total of 72 nights camping, hiked 30 miles, and spend 89 hours performing service. He also earned patrol leader, assistant patrol leader, quartermaster, historian and scribe leadership positions.Judy Wingert, scouter, reflected on information in a 1939 Scout book and noted that Kern passed the test for Eagle Scout and that people will continue to follow his life.Scot Wingert, scoutmaster, said that Kern is a leader and that he gained more than a pretty medal; he earned some responsibilities. Then all the Eagle Scouts attending the presentation were recognize and were asked to rededicate themselves as Eagle Scouts along with Kern.As part of the Court of Awards, Kern presented his mother with a rose and the Eagle Scout mother's pin and presented his father with an Eagle Scout lapel pin. His father was given the honor of presenting the Eagle Scout certificate to his son. Kern then presented mentor pins to his father and Everett and an appreciation plaque to Scot Wingert.Mayor Donald Rehrig proclaimed May 22 as Eagle Scout Nicholas Alan Kern Day in the Borough of Lehighton.Representing Trinity Church Council was Lee Becker and the Rev. Robert vonFrisch."You have made your parents very proud," said Becker. "People are going to remember you."Becker said he was proud to be part of the Board of Review of Boy Scouts."It is a joy to see so many accomplishments in Troop 82," said Becker. He then presented a plaque and certificate for a savings bond to Kern.The Rev. vonFrisch said that he was proud to see so many Eagle Scout recipients in Troop 82."This is a great day of accomplishments for Troop 82," said the Rev. vonFrisch.He was also presented an award by the National Society of the American Revolution, a Good Citizenship Award by the Carbon-Mountaineers Marine Corps League, Certificate of Recognition from State Rep. Doyle Heffley, a Congressional recognition from Sen. Lou Barletta, a letter from President Barak Obama, and life membership in the Eagle Scout Association.Nicholas joins his sister, Katie in an elite group, as she was presented the Gold Award in Girl Scouting.Call the parents at (570) 386-3909.