Catasauqua High School junior Derek McCartney was honored with a proclamation, read by Catasauqua Mayor Barbara Schlegel, recognizing him for receiving the Boy Scouts of America's highest honor, the Eagle Scout Award, during an April 20 Court of Honor.

McCartney's Eagle project entailed leading a team of Scouts and other volunteers in a project to clean up the Catasauqua Creek in the stretch from the Miller's Surplus store to the convergence with the Lehigh River, after it became clogged with debris in that area.

The Eagle Court of Honor ceremony was held on Saturday, April 20 at St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Catasauqua. A member of Boy Scout Troop 94, charted to St. Paul's, McCartney is the son of Tammi Hauser of Catasauqua and Ed McCartney.

He began scouting in first grade as a Tiger Cub, and said the most important thing he learned throughout his many accomplishments and experiences was how to be a good leader.

He specifically credits his grandmother, Jean Hauser, as the most influential person in his life and Scouting career.

"She encouraged me to always do my best and continue through the Scouting ranks," McCartney said. "She was there to help me with everything."

In addition to the proclamation presented by Schlegel, he also received an award from the Submarine Veterans of the Lehigh Valley, presented by Catasauqua Council member Al Regits.

Scoutmaster Phil "Flip" Fisher told those at the court of honor McCartney has set himself up for a bright future at an early age. People will always look up to him as he is a leader, he cautioned.

Fisher encouraged McCartney to continue to live by the Scout laws each day, to continue to make a difference in people's lives, to be dedicated in everything that he does and to always strive for something greater.

In recognition of her devotion, McCartney presented his mother, Tammi Hauser, with the Eagle mother's pin.

In recognition of her son's accomplishment, she pinned the Eagle medal to her son's uniform.

Derek presented mentor pins to Fisher, Assistant Scoutmaster Fred Knauss, his uncle Tim Hauser and his grandmother Jean Houser.

McCartney is an honor student at CHS and is scuba diving certified.

After graduation, Derek plans to attend Penn State University and plans to become a veterinarian.

Only 4 percent of all Boy Scouts achieve the rank of Eagle.

The rank of Eagle will remain a part of his life, no matter where he goes, what he does or who he meets.

McCartney is the 63rd Scout from Boy Scout Troop 94 to receive his Eagle Scout award.