Ryan Borger, member of Troop 209, was honored for achieving Eagle Scout status on Feb. 11 at the Palmerton's Rod and Gun Club.

Following the presentation of colors by fellow Scouts Jared Bartholomew and Aaron Whitney, committee chair Kelli George welcomed the crowd."This is an occasion for pride and joy, as well as a time for serious reflection," George said. "The Eagle is the highest recognition that scouting offers to Scouts. It is earned through the advancement program and only a small percentage of boys who begin in scouting receive this honor. Today, we have the pleasure of seeing Ryan Borger climax his journey as he joins the company of Eagle Scouts."The Rev. Rick Collins said, "To think of all the merit badges he's earned along the way, the oaths he's learned, the character he's developed, and his service to our community and his fellow Scouts. … Little by little, month by month, and year by year, he's been faithful, and today we celebrate this milestone of his faithful and hard work.""The appeal of the majestic eagle has been felt by everyone from prehistoric times up to present day," Eagle Scout Cole George said, elaborating on the eagle's meaning to the Egyptians, Romans and Native Americans. "For us today, the eagle is the symbol of all living courage and freedom, inspiring Americans."Honor guard members Bartholomew and Troop 375 Life Scout Nick Blair escorted Borger's mother and father, Deb and Ron, where they were commended for their help in Borger's trek through scouting, and asked to continue to support him in his endeavors.Moyer detailed Borger's journey from his days as a Webelo through his rise to Troop 209, his many outings and trips with the troop, and the honors he attained, including the Order of the Arrow, the national honor society of scouting.He highlighted the extensive project Borger undertook for his Eagle Scout service project for nature conservancy, identifying 31 vernal pools and removing invasive species from the Minsi Nature Preserve. The project was conducted from November 2015 to August 2016.Eagle Scout Christian McCormick reminded Borger of his responsibilities, and led the reaffirmation of the Eagle Scout's Oath for fellow members.At this time, Scoutmaster Anderson pinned the Eagle badge on Borger's shirt, affirming his rank among top Scouts.Borger's parents were also presented with miniature Eagle pins for their role in his ascension.State Rep. Doyle Heffley congratulated Borger on his hard work."It's a lot of work, a lot of dedication that goes into that badge, and it's something that you'll live with for the rest of your life," Heffley said, later presenting Borger with a citation commending his achievement.Borger presented mentor pins to Anderson, his father, and more, honoring their friendship and help, and then gave roses to his mother and grandmothers."It feels great, considering that I put in a lot of time and effort, and to finally achieve it, it feels good. I made it to Eagle Scout, I'm part of that 3 percent," Borger said.He is planning on studying mechanical engineering, and eventually pursuing a career in the Coast Guard, where he hopes to attain an officer rank."With the Eagle Scout, I'll have a lot of leadership skills, so I can be a leader of those men," Borger said.Ron Borger said his son's achievements could contribute to his future success with the Coast Guard."If you're an Eagle Scout, you get that line on your profile that will hopefully get some extra eyes on you," he said.George, who attained the rank of Eagle Scout just last year, was happy to see his friend of more than 10 years reach the rank as well."It feels great to have him come along and join those who have come this far. It's a great honor once you get it, I know from experience," George said.Anderson, who Borger recognized as being a pivotal part of his progress in scouting, was proud to see another member of his troop soar."It is a very excitable time, to see a Scout enter the ranks as a boy and leave a man," Anderson said. "I think he proved to us that he can put his mind to anything and climb mountains."