Christopher Curtis completed his Eagle work and scheduled a Court of Honor for March 28 at the dining hall of Camp Trexler in Jonas. The hall was decorated with red, white and blue balloons. With his grandfather Alfredo Curtis, who had been in the Air Force, Christopher added the military to his scouting interest.

His Eagle project was to organize a clothing drive for students in the Pleasant Valley Elementary School. Curtis got 200 backpacks with the bear paw logo. They included a voucher for an article of clothing, pens, pencils, rulers, crayons, notebooks and a certificate that it was part of an Eagle Scout project.The large color guard included military and Scout flags.Christopher's sister, Tatiana, sang the military anthems.Ryan Hinton said the Court of Honor was the culmination of scouting work which was reviewed by a committee of scouters. Christopher was good at leadership. In school his willingness to help fulfilled that qualification, but he also helped with scouting events where he was a patrol leader, assistant patrol leader, webmaster, troop guide, den chief, scribe and presently an assistant scoutmaster.Christopher was a Venture Crew 1629 secretary, Lodge 44 Order of the Arrow Pokawachne Chapter vice chief, and with Minsi Trails Council he was a junior camp promotion chairman.Matthew Vasquez said he worked with Chris and saw his progress toward developing Scout character.Christopher was not a Tenderfoot Scout for very long. When he reached the rank of a Second Class Scout he had reached the first summit on the trail to Eagle. As a First Class Scout he added a smile so he might be a friend to all. Christopher reached Life Scout, which showed the world he was ready to reach for Eagle.Paula Bond gave the Eagle charge. She said he had reached proficiency in skills, teamwork, hard work, strength of character and shows willingness to become involved.The honor guard escorted his parents. His mother pinned the Eagle pin to his shirt and in turn he pinned the mother's pin to her dress. His father presented him with a certificate and a letter from the Scout executive. He gave his father an Eagle tie tack. His sister, Tatiana, placed the white Eagle neckerchief around his neck.He was pronounced an Eagle Scout of Minsi Trails Council, Pocono Region.There was a roll call of the 102 Eagle Scouts in Troop 98 since 1968. Christopher joined that elite rank and became number 103.American Legion Post 927 gave him a certificate of recognition for outstanding scouting and citizenship. State Rep. Jack Rader presented a citation from the House of Representatives and a personal congratulations.David Mondillo, representing the charter group, the Knights of Columbus from Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, gave him a sponsor's plaque.State Sen. Mario Scavello told him he had six applications for a job and the person chosen was an Eagle. He reminded him that it was important to include it on applications. He wished him continued success.His grandfather, representing the United States Air Force, said Eagle Scouts become military officers because of their character and leadership learned in scouting. "Those ideals are something members of the Air Force hold dear," he said.The United States Navy was represented by a member of the Lehigh Valley Sea Cadets. He presented a letter of congratulations for the work and time put into the Eagle effort.Cara Sepcoski, Northeast region 5 Venturing, said Christopher spent countless hours developing a program. She said he had innovative ideas. He is making a miniature golf course for Cub Scout use.Joshua Krebs from Pleasant Valley School District said he met Christopher 1 1/2 years ago when he was looking for an Eagle project. He was an energetic and excited young man.Dawn Phillips presented the "eagle." This was a project begun by Clare Wallingford many years ago. Wallingford handmade wooden eagles, and over the years Phillips estimates he gave 500 to Eagle Scouts. The tradition continues with purchased eagles. He also received a certificate for gaining Boy Scouts' highest award.A poem was quoted, "He left to be a Boy Scout and grew to be a man."Instead of the mentor's pin, he handed out 17 because so many helped him on the trail to Eagle. A longer list of 60 people and families were thanked for their contributions.Christopher hopes to pursue a career in Boy Scouting.