Dayne Coleman, 16, of Kunkletown, began a journey when he was 7 years old. On Nov. 24 he reached his destination when he earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Before his family, friends and fellow Scouts, Coleman proudly became a member of an elite group at a ceremony held at the Polk Township Volunteer Fire Co. in Kresgeville.

Coleman is a member of Boy Scout Troop 98 and a junior at Pleasant Valley High School. Fellow Scout, Douglas Stangl, was the master of ceremonies. He called for the color guard of Scouts Eric Galante and Alex Steigerwalt.The Rev. Deborah Sheffey of Salem St. Paul's Lutheran Church gave the opening and closing prayers.In the significant Candle Lighting ceremony, Coleman's best friend, Theodore Graham, lit 12 candles from a single candle, a shining beacon of inspiration, for each journey of Scouting on the Eagle Trail. Scoutmaster James Lambert recited the 12 parts to the Eagle Law ... trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kid, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, reverent. In the Scout Oath, a Scout promises upon his honor to do his best to do his duty, first to God and his country (the red candle was lit), to other people, by helping them at all times (white candle) and to himself, by keeping himself physically strong, mentally awake and morally strong (blue candle.)"You see how the light from the Spirit of Scouting is now beginning to grow and become brighter," said Lambert.Six more candles were lit to represent the six paths Coleman took from starting as a Tenderfoot to Eagle.Scouts Anthony Taldone and Jack Decker read all the names of those in Troop 98 who achieved the rank of Eagle Scout since it was formed. Dr. William Martucci of Kunkletown was the troop's first Eagle Scout in 1960 and Coleman is the troop's 100th. All 100 names were read aloud. Scoutmaster Steven Rhoads asked for all those who had earned Eagle Scout to come forward to be recognized and 17 were present.Coleman's mother, Stacey Coleman pinned the Eagle pin on him and then he pinned his mother with an Eagle pin for her selfless acts and one to his father, Rob Coleman, who stood by him on his journey.His sister, Ashley and his grandfather, Robert Coleman, presented Coleman with his Eagle neckerchief, because they have been by his side and an inspiration to him through his journey.He presented his Mentor Pin to Scoutmaster David Weinman, who said that, "It's not the destination, it's the journey. Becoming an Eagle Scout never leaves you."Scoutmaster Rhoads told Coleman he was the first Eagle Scout he has been with from the beginning all the way through to now."You met every Scout challenge ... Your Scouting experience has helped prepare you for what's ahead," he said.He recalled coming upon Coleman as a young Cub Scout at his first year at camp, crying, missing his mom and dad. He knew he had to get the young boy involved in enough activities to get his mind off home.It must have worked because Coleman has been a very active Scout ever since, earning 32 Merit Badges. His Eagle Scout project included painting 5,300 square feet of chain link fencing at the West End Fairgrounds and beautifying its main entrance by planting plants and shrubs and laying mulch. He raised the money by collecting aluminum and cashing it in at a scrap yard. The project took 311 man hours."It was not easy to paint a chain-link fence. I had a deadline of five days to paint the fences. We painted over 1,000 square feet a day. I couldn't have done it without all the help of family and friends."To help him recall another time at Scout camp, when he was always bouncing a tennis ball and ended up breaking a window. His sister, Ashley and Scoutmaster Bob Bartalacci presented him with a window and a can of tennis balls.Rhoads talked about Randy Pausch, author of "The Last Lecture," and a Carnegie Mellon University alumnus, who co-founded Entertainment Technology Center and professor at Carnegie Mellon."When applications came across his desk, he always looked for the Eagle Scouts because he knew they accomplish more, expect more, have an earnestness that he didn't find in others."Many local, state and national dignitaries acknowledged Coleman's accomplishment with plaques or certificates. They are: Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus, represented by Ralph Manento, also Troop 98's first Scoutmaster; Virginia Doll from the Elks Lodge 319; Nick Hawkey of the Carbon County Marines League; Charles Garris, Monroe County Commissioner; Claudette Seager, Monroe County treasurer who informed him by letter he had the next five years Eagle Scout dues paid for by the county; Nancy May represented the Polk Township supervisors; Chris Eckert represented the Chestnuthill Township supervisors; Thomas Franklin from the American Legion Post 927, Gilbert; Mike Smith from the Pocono Chapter of the United Submarine Veterans; PA State Representative Mike Carroll; Dawn Phillips from the Pocono District. He received letters and certificates of recognition from: West End Fair Association; Grace Marks, Chestnuthill Twp. constable; PA State Rep. Rosemary Brown; U.S. Representative Matthew Cartwright; Senator Pat Toomey; PA State Senator David Argall; Governor Tom Corbett; President and Mrs. Barack Obama.His father presented Coleman with a beautiful hand-painted feather that depicts several meaningful personal accomplishments in his Scouting life.Coleman thanked everyone for supporting him throughout his Scouting career, especially his parents, grandparents and fellow Scouts and Scoutmasters."Achieving Eagle Scout is a pretty big deal. I wouldn't even be here if it hadn't be for my parents for starting me in Scouts in the first place. And also my Scout leaders. They are there to help you in everything."He said that Scouting was the best past-time of his life."I made friends that will be with me for life," said Coleman.