Jathan Krall and Jack Tharp, both of New Ringgold, received the rank of Eagle Scout at a court of honor held earlier this month at the West Penn Fire Company.

Jathan’s Eagle Scout service project benefited Tuscarora State Park located in Barnesville.

The project consisted of planning, designing and building a foot bridge along a 3.4 mile hiking trail called “The Spirit of Tuscarora.”

The purpose of the bridge is to replace an existing structure, provide a means to safely cross the stream and keep from getting wet feet.

The trail is used by countless hikers who are amazed and thankful both for the quality of the construction and the convenience of the new bridge.

Jack’s Eagle Scout project was the design and construction of a gaga ball pit at West Penn Park in New Ringgold.

The gaga ball pit is enjoyed by the many children who visit the park. He sold face masks during the pandemic as a fundraiser to cover the costs of the materials for the project.

State Sen. David Argall and state Rep. Jerry Knowles were among several of the local government officials and dignitaries to present the boys with citations and letters of congratulations.

Nathan Gerace, representing U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, presented both Jathan and Jack each with their own Bronze Congressional award medals along with Eagle Scout citations.

The Congressional Award is the United States Congress’ highest honor for young Americans. It is nonpartisan, voluntary, and noncompetitive. The program is open to all 14- to 23-year-olds.

Both boys are 15 years old and are sophomores at Tamaqua high school.

Jathan is an honor student and serves as vice president on the student government association.

He is a member of the high school soccer, swimming, cross-country and track teams.

Upon graduation he plans on attending college and pursuing a major in mechanical engineering.

Jack is also an honor student at Tamaqua high school.

He is a member of the high school soccer, swimming and track teams, and a section leader in the Tamaqua Raider Band.

Upon graduation he plans on attending college and pursuing a degree in one of the engineering fields.

At the court of honor, they both thanked their parents for their guidance throughout their scouting careers.