A member of Lehighton Boy Scout Troop 82 has distinguished himself by creating a mile long walking trail at Mauch Chunk Lake Park in Jim Thorpe.

Thomas Youngkin, son of Annette and the late John Youngkin, and grandson of John and Barbara Youngkin and Anne Marie Gimbor of Jim Thorpe, was honored at his Eagle Court of Awards held Sunday at Trinity Lutheran Church, Lehighton. He earned his Eagle Scout badge on Oct. 7.His community project included designing and building four bridges, trail markers and directional signs for a trail that can be used by Carbon County Environmental Education Center for educational purposes that will enable people to hike to the other side of Mauch Chunk Lake.His project was accomplished with the help of four generations of family, friends and Scouts which took approximately 400 hours.Master of ceremonies was Dan Evans. Chris Simock offered the invocation and benediction.After Duane Reichard, a representative of the Boy Scouts of America convened the Court of Honor, Scouter Devin Frantz explained how Youngkin went from Tiger, to Cub Scout, to Boy Scout and then attaining Eagle Scout.Jake Hoffner narrated the long journey that began 12 years ago, when Youngkin joined the Troop. He noted that Youngkin attained Tenderfoot by completing all the requirements then went on to Second Class Badge where he participated in a service project and a program on the dangers of alcohol, drugs and tobacco. As a First Class Scout he had gone on 10 campouts and many hikes, then completing difficult badges to attain Star Rank and then completing more badges and more service hours to become a Life Scout and then completing his service project and more badges to become an Eagle Scout.Scot Wingert, Scoutmaster, presented Youngkin for his honor. Eagle Scout Honor guard Gabriel Youngkin and Justin Wingert escorted his mother forward and she pinned the Eagle Scout pin to his uniform and he in return pinned the Mother Eagle Scout pin on her.Youngkin also recognized Franklin Klock for his inspiration to create a trail at the Carbon County Environmental Center.He then presented his uncle, Johnny Gimbor, with the Eagle Scout mentor pin.All of the Eagle Scouts in the audience also rededicated themselves to Scouting and reaffirmed their Eagle Scout Promise.State Rep. Doyle Heffley recognized Youngkin with a State House of Representatives Citation and he was also recognized by Lee Becker, representing Trinity Lutheran Church; and Carbon County Commissioner Wayne Nothstein presented him with a resolution. Duane Reichard presented a Troop Plaque and Dan Evans read a message from Mayor Donald Rehrig proclaiming Dec. 9 as Thomas Youngkin Day in Lehighton. He also received letters of congratulation from Senator Robert Casey Jr., Senator Patrick Toomey, and a letter from the Congress House of Representatives. and the State Senate.Youngkin is a senior at Lehighton Area High School.