Andrew D. Atherton became Boy Scout Troop 98's 99th Eagle Scout since its inception in 1968At a Court-of-Honor held Saturday at Effort United Methodist Church.

Before the Rev. Robin Fisher gave the invocation she read from the book of Isaiah: "They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles."The announcer for the event was Joseph King, who joined Scouting the same day as Andrew and had his Eagle board of review the same evening.Andrew's Eagle project was to make eight picnic tables and benches for the park pavilion and to stone part of a trail.Chris Eckert of the Chestnuthill Township board of supervisors said the township is one of the biggest beneficiaries of the Eagle Scout project. He presented a resolution signed by all the supervisors.A roll call of the previous 98 Eagles was read by James Lambert and Anthony Taldone.Scoutmaster Steve Rhoads said the presentation of Eagle Rank is an important and serious event. It is the climax of many years of time and pride and joy.Andrew's list of community service projects included road cleanups, Scouting for Food, Christmas cards for troops, Operation Touch of Home, Monroe County Youth Field Day, Western Pocono Community Library, Christmas caroling, clearing the trail at West End Regional Park and Nickels for Nets.The Honor Guard presented Andrew's parents, Doug and Marianne Atherton. Andrew presented Eagle pins to his mother and father, and his mother presented him with the Eagle Award.The Eagle Charge was given by David Weinman, who told him the honor and responsibility of an Eagle make him a marked man."It is my privilege to pronounce you an Eagle Scout," Weinman said.The Knights of Columbus presented a plaque and certificate, Elks Lodge 319 presented a flag and certificate of merit, American Legion Post 927 presented a certificate, The Marine Corps League gave him a certificate of merit and a check to buy books for college.Dawn Phillips of Pocono District told of the legacy of Clair Wallingford who made a statue of an Eagle for each Scout reaching that rank. Now they are purchased, she said as she presented one.The Vietnam Veterans Association provided a certificate as did Pocono District, Minsi Trail Council.People who contributed but were not present were Kiwanis Club which paid his membership in the National Eagle Scout Association, the Monroe County Commissioners, President and Mrs. Barack Obama and former President George W. Bush, Pocono Base of US Submarines, Pa. State Constables of Chestnuthill Township, Congressman Matthew Cartwright and state Senator Pat Browne.Andrew thanked the late David Fleetwood, former Chestnuthill supervisor, for helping him with his tractor when he spread stone. He thanked his Scoutmasters and said he was looking forward to a trip to Maine in summer.