Years of hard work and a dedication to scouting equals top ranking awards.

Everette and Ashton Bevans, twin sons of Johnathan and Laurie Bevans and James Yoder, son of Paige and Donna Yoder, all of Slatington, received the highest honor in Boy Scouts and were awarded the prestigious Eagle badges."This is the first time we have a triple header here with these three boys becoming Eagle Scouts, and they have been together since Cub Scouts," said Edward Bechtel; Troop 58 committee chairman and master of ceremonies.Boy Scouts of America Minsi Trails Council North Valley District and Troop 58, sponsored by the Slatington Lions Club, presented the boys with their honors.All three young men received citations, awards and framed plaque presented by state Rep. Zachary Mako, District 183; Tom Creighton, Lehigh County Commissioner; and Robert D. Gavin, Northampton County Detachment Marine Corps, League Inc.Claude Fenstermaker, Slatington Lions Club, presented the boys with a plaque and a token of appreciation for their hard work.Everette earned his Eagle rank on Aug. 16, 2016. His project was to restore the Emerald Grove by refurbishing and painting the ticket booth, pavilion and concession stand. His project also included rebuilding the ticket booth door, refinishing the booth grates and rebuilding and painting the prep table in the pavilion. The final painting involved the entire troop along with an overnight campout at the grove. Everette's project required 130.75 man hours and he accomplished it in three months."My parents never forced me to do something in scouting, they always just encouraged me," Everette said. He also gave credit to his twin brother for getting him this far in scouting.Ashton earned his Eagle rank on Aug. 16, 2016. He constructed an outdoor classroom along the nature trail behind the school stadium. He led his team of family, Scouts, crew members and friends throughout the project. It required the removal and disposal of a previously erected project similar in nature which had deteriorated with time. The project provided a new design to accommodate a shelter whiteboard for presentations and included a seating capacity. The area was cleared of debris and graded to provide a safe area for students and still have a natural setting. His project took 12 months and 217 man hours to complete."I always wanted to become an Eagle Scout since I started scouting. I wanted to be like my older brother who is an Eagle Scout," Ashton said. He thanked all of his leaders and role models who helped him along the way.Everette and Ashton's older brother and their father are Eagle Scouts.James earned his Eagle ranking in March 2017. His project involved refurbishing three planters with soil, mulch, bushes and flowers at the Slatington Borough Hall entrance. He repaired and painted the hall sign. James completed the project by spreading white river rock on both sides of the main entrance to enhance the appearance of the Slatington Borough Hall. His project took nine months and 129.25 man-hours to complete."When I started Cub Scouts so many years ago it was imprinted in my mind that I wanted to become an Eagle Scout. I had so many wonderful experiences in my scouting years and it made me what I am today," James said.Even though Everette and Ashton competed their Eagle ranking in August 2016, they waited for their longtime friend James to finish so they could all receive the honor together. The three boys have been best friends since they started kindergarten and belonged to Cub Scout pack 66 in 2005.The event was held at the United Presbyterian Church in Slatington.A reception in the boys' honor was held directly after the ceremony.