Mar 28, 2018 2 min read

On March 18, John Walter Barnes was recognized and honored at his Eagle Court held at the Spring House Restaurant in Eighty Four. Barnes is the 28th scout to receive his Eagle Award since Walt Jarosh, Troop 1331 scoutmaster, took over leadership of the troup. John received many letters and awards of recognition and congratulations from national, state and local leaders and dignitaries who could not be present at the ceremony. Local speakers in attendance who awarded Barnes with his Eagle Award were Joe Orient, Boy Scout liaison for V.F.W. Post 764 in McMurray, which sponsors Troop 1331; Canonsburg Mayor David Rhome; and Eugene Eckman representing the national organization of the B.P.O.E. and the local Pittsburgh South Hills Elks Lodge 2213. Eckman presented framed award certificates to John, including one from the local lodge in Bethel Park and one from the Grand Lodge in Chicago, Ill. He also read a personal letter to John from the national leader of the Elks. John also received a personal size U.S. flag and a small gold lapel pin signifying the 80+ years of a close relationship between the Elks and scouting. The final challenge that must be completed to earn this highest rank of the Boy Scouts is a community service achievement called their “Eagle Project.” John’s Eagle Project benefited the Montour Trail. In a local section of the trail, he created an overnight camping area, which included construction of a firewood storage shed, a fire circle, several benches and picnic tables. He also did minor landscaping. Pictured from left are Eckman, Barnes, and Troop 1331 Scoutmaster Walt Jarosh.