Joseph Earl Rasbold achieved the rank of Eagle Scout Dec. 14.

The Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremony was held at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Whitehall.

Rasbold is currently attending Central Catholic High School, Allentown, and will graduate in 2015.

He has earned 40 merit badges during his Scouting career which began when he was in the second grade. He is a member of Troop 79, sponsored by St. John Roman Catholic Church, Stiles.

Rasbold has held several troop positions over the years, including quartermaster, assistant patrol leader, patrol leader, instructor and assistant senior patrol leader.

To earn the Eagle pin, Rasbold and his father, Ron Rasbold, his uncle, Bill Suder, and his grandfather, Earl Rasbold, built a Veterans Memorial Monument on the grounds of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Whitehall.

"My father, uncle and grandfather helped me dig and pour concrete and a footer," said Rasbold. "Northampton Memorial made and donated the stone bricks for the memorial monument. People from the church and Troop 79 purchased a brick in honor of a veteran, living or deceased. We sold each brick for $50 a piece which paid for my project."

At the ceremony, Rasbold presented the Eagle pins to his mother, Terri Rasbold, and his father, Ron Rasbold.

Guest speakers at the ceremony included, Whitehall Township Mayor Edward D. Hozza Jr., who presented a certificate of dedication and achievement to Rasbold.

The new Eagle Scout also received a citation from U.S. Congressman Charlie Dent. In addition, at the request of Dent, the flag was flown over the National Capital Oct. 30 in Rasbold's honor.

State Rep. Julie Harhart, R-183rd, presented Rasbold with a citation of achievement from herself and state Rep Dan McNeil, D-133rd. Al Edelman, Scoutmaster, presented a certificate of acheivment from President George W. Bush for continued success.

Several people, including Edelman and Assistant Scoutmaster Amy Yanoshik, spoke during the ceremony, sharing memories of Rasbold during his Scouting career.

Dave Sodl Sr., troop committee chairman, delivered the Voice of the Eagle; Amy Yanoshik, assistant Scoutmaster, Trail to Eagle; Daniel Kier, Eagle Scout, Troop 79, Eagle Challenge; Frank Tauber, troop charter representative, Eagle Charge; Zach Homlish, Eagle Scout Troop 79, Eagle Scout Promise; and Rev. Mgsr. Daniel Yenushosky gave the invocation.

In addition to Scouting, Rasbold is involved in Central Catholic High School Liturgical band and choir. He is a high school Viking mentor and participates in the high school city project. He is a Political Science Club board member and a member of Big Brothers and Big Sisters. He was in the spring musical and is a member of the track and field team. He is an altar server at Holy Trinity Catholic Church.