William Christman of Lehigh Township completed the Trail to Eagle that he began in 2000 as a Tiger Cub Scout at a Court of Honor held at Hope Lutheran Church, Cherryville. His brother, Rodney Christman Jr., led the program.

The posting of the colors was done by Jacob Treichler and Zach Vilkauskas.In the invocation the Rev. Jami Possinger said, "We gather together in celebration of this young person. The Scout Oath and Law were designed to grow with the boy."More is required from Boy Scouts than from Cubs. Boy Scouts have a motto, "Be prepared."William has learned to obey all of these but today he will have one more, the Eagle Scout Promise.His brother, Rodney Christman Jr., said it was a long journey. He joined Pack and then Troop 242 both chartered by Hope Lutheran. In April 2005 he became a full-fledged Scout.His rise through the ranks, with a candle lit for each, was: Tenderfoot, February 2006; Second Class, September 2006; First Class, May 2007; Star, August 2008; Life, March 2009 and finally, Eagle, March 14, 2012.His Eagle Scout project was to erect "Welcome to Lehigh Township" signs on four roads by which most people enter the township.Scoutmaster Michael Weber said it was great working with William during his 11 years of scouting. If you know his parents, Laurie and Rodney, you know why he was an easy scout to work with. He was always willing to do anything asked of him. As a senior patrol leader he took care of everything. He earned all his merit badges without urging.Christman said its been a long journey. He went to a national youth training program, was at Jambo and visited the nation's capitol. Thank you to all who helped. I probably would not be here without others' help.His grandfather, Claude Kohl Jr., gave the Eagle charge. He said William joins the ranks of Eagles during the 100th anniversary of Eagle Scouting. There are generations of relatives back to his great great grandfather who began his scouting career in England. His grandmother was a den mother and his mother was a First Class Girl Scout.It's not about the pin. It's about moving from point A to point B and the journey between that is important. Scouting is important to a citizen, a leader and by providing skills for life. The second journey starts today, Kohl said.You have a solemn obligation to God and country. America has a lot to offer you. She has a great past and you can help make her future. I charge you to dedicate your heart and hands to the common good no matter what others may do. Will you be considered a friend to all?. There are no strangers, only a friend you haven't met.As Claude Kohl III began the Eagle promise he asked all Eagles in the audience to stand and reaffirm the Eagle promise, which includes "I thoughtfully recognize and take upon myself the obligations and responsibilities of an Eagle Scout. On my honor, I will do my best to make my training an example and my status and my influence count strongly for better Scouting and for better citizenship in my troop, in my community, and in my contacts with other people. To this I pledge my sacred honor."His parents were escorted to the stage where his mother, Laurie, placed the Eagle pin on William's uniform. In turn, he presented her with a mother's pin.His father Rodney, as the source of advice and guidance, presented William with a certificate as an Eagle, and was given a lapel pin.As a mentor he chose his grandfather, Claude Kohl Jr, and pinned the mentor pin on his shirt.He received citations and certificates from Rep. Julie Harhart and the House of Representatives, from Robert Gavin for the Marine Corps League - the representative said he was not recruiting because William had already signed up, a Good Citizenship award from the American Legion, from Representative Charles Dent and state Senator David Argall.Kohl presented him with membership in the National Eagle Scout Association.In lieu of personal gifts, Christman requested donations to Wounded Warriors. He considers it a small way for him to honor those who are willing to give so much for their country.