Troop 98 added three new Eagle Scouts to the impressive roll of 108 since 1968. The Court of Honor for Nikolaus Herr mann, Jack Decker and Alex Steigerwalt was held at the Polk Township Firehouse in Kresgeville on Dec. 13.

Scoutmaster Steve Rhoads introduced the Rev. Deborah Scheffey, who gave the invocation.Doug Stangl called the Eagle Court to order and asked for the presentation of colors by Andy Atherton, Raymond Pasqua and Evan Bond. The Pledge of Allegiance was given by the gathering, and the Scouts gave the Scout oath and law.The Spirit of Scouting was represented by the lighting of a candle shining as a beacon. This spirit was used to light 12 other candles which stand for being trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.He is to do his best for God and country and to other people and to himself.As you can see, said Jeremy Major, the spirit, the light of scouting, has become brighter.The color guard escorted the Voice of the Eagle, Joseph King. He said experience is a valuable teacher. Remember when you took your first step into scouting. Second class was different, but not for long as it became familiar.The Scout continued the Eagle trail to First Class. He was on a ledge over a green meadow and could have remained there, but ambition spurred him on to Star Scout and Life Scout. The Oath and Law became more meaningful.From the rear of the room came the roll call of Eagles with James Lambert and Mark Bartolaci taking turns calling the name of an Eagle and gave the year he earned that honor.The presentation of Eagle Rank began when Rhoads said, "We have watched your leadership grow. You are at the threshold of your goals, but some special person should stand with you."Honor Guard, will you please present the parents," said Rhoads.A mother's pin was given with love. No one will ever know the helpfulness of these mothers. The Eagle pin is presented to the mothers.Fathers stood by and contributed to your attainment. The father's pins were given by the Scouts.A member of the honor guard removed the bolo tie and Rhoads placed the white Scout neckerchief on each of the three boys, saying, "You are about to join the rank of Eagle Scout."Nick Hawkey gave the Eagle Charge. He said they had been judged by the Boy Scouts of America and are now marked men. You have a duty to God and men. Bring honor to yourself and other Scouts. Be a leader, but lead only for the best. Whatever else you do you will leave a record that other Scouts may be proud of.David Weinman, a past scoutmaster, joined Rhoads.He said many of you were molded by Mr. Weinman. Resolve to maintain the perseverance that brought you this far. Your conduct along the trail has been excellent. As Eagles you become an example to your community. The torch you carry is not only yours. Be the representative of your fellow members. The words you say now are much like those you learned when you began."I hope you will see the lives you have touched by completing your Eagle Scout projects," said Rhoads.Alex's project was to make, install and landscape a sign and playground at Effort United Methodist's Garden of Giving. Jack built three duck pens and a turtle enclosure complete with a drainable pond for the Pocono Wildlife Rehabilitation Center and Nick planted a mixed fruit tree orchard and added bluebird boxes at the VALOR Clinic's Paul's House in Jonas.David Mondillo of the sponsoring Knights of Columbus presented a plaque. Elks Lodge 319 presented a pin from a new Elks program, Elks for Scouting.George Unangst represented the Marine Corps League and presented a check.State Sen. Mario Scavello said it was an honor to be there. When he was looking at job applications he looked for Eagle Scouts. Mark Green of Palmerton Lions said if all young people were in scouting, people would get along better. He gave a good citizenship award. Rep. Rosemary Browne sent a House of Representatives citation. Rep. Jack Rader's office forwarded congratulations. Each of the three were from different legislative districts and townships.Nancy May attended from the Polk Township supervisors and said Nick had earned 27 merit badges and was a patrol leader. Chairman John Moyer of the Monroe County Commissioners said it was a great day when three young men have met this milestone. It took Scout leaders, parents and business leaders.Tammy Graver talked about the Garden of Giving where Alex built the playground that made it easier for mothers to work in the garden. It produced 11,800 pounds of produce for food pantries and other places that provide food.Dawn Phillips, Pocono District Commissioner, told them she knew they were busy but they should give back the help they received to younger Scouts.Clair Wallingford began presenting homemade Eagle statuettes to the Eagle Scouts. Now that he is gone, Vietnam veterans help scouting afford to buy statuettes for Eagle Scouts.In a Scout minute, Alex said he wanted to give his mentor pin to his grandfather, Nick Hawkey. Jack's mentor was Jim Lambert, assistant scoutmaster, who reminded him to remember when you get to the top of a mountain you have to climb back down. Nick said his mentor was David Weinman, "who molded me to what I am today."