Justin Dressel, a 10th grade student at Emmaus High School, recently completed his Eagle Scout project. Dressel is hopeful to complete all the required project paperwork and do a final review with the Scouting board this spring, which is when he would earn the rank of Eagle Scout.

For his project he wanted to do something focusing on his high school so he, and all the other students would enjoy the fruits of his labor. During lunch time he would constantly hear the other students wishing there were an alternate place to have lunch when the weather was nice. This gave him the idea to build an outside picnic area/ lounge.

After many discussions with EHS Principal David Piperato, it was determined Dressel would also include landscaping to several of the surrounding areas of the lunch area/lounge.

Dressel, with the help of fellow Scouts, built five 8-foot picnic benches and mulched and planted 30-plus trees and shrubs enhancing the area.

Many badges are required to reach the rank of Eagle Scout; Dressel has earned: swimming, technology, camping, shooting, health, religion, community and family. In addition to his badges, he has recently become a member of the Order of the Arrow, which is the equivalent to the National Honor Society but for Scouting. The only way to gain membership is to be voted in by one's fellow Scouts.

Dressel, formerly of Bethlehem, has been involved with Scouting since first grade with Troop 352 Bethlehem. His Scout leader is Todd McGregor.

When not involved in Scouting, he is a red belt in karate and also enjoys snow skiing, spending time with his friends and playing video games.