Christian Michael Jancsarics has achieved Boy Scout immortality by earning the organization’s most distinguished honor of Eagle Scout.

“Scouting taught me about leadership,” Jancsarics said during an interview at his Eagle Scout ceremony held Nov. 24 at East Hills Moravian Church in Bethlehem. “I think it has helped me grow as a person. I think it will help me later on in life.”

Jancsarics, the son of Joseph and Cindy Jancsarics, joined Boy Scout Troop 362 in February 2012. Over the last six years, he has earned 45 merit badges, six special awards and three leadership awards.

Anyone familiar with scouting knows that building character is essential. Jancsarics says he takes his Scout oath seriously including The Boy Scout Law that notes that a Scout “is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.”

For his Eagle Scout project, the Freedom HS senior updated the grounds of the Colonial Early Learning Center in Bethlehem.

“That’s where my mom works,” Jancsarics said. “Since middle school on I would say to myself ‘this would be a great place to do a project,’”

While others talk, Boy Scouts take action. Jancsarics raised more than $1,700 and with the money added mulch, trimmed overgrown ivy and cleaned up another section of the grounds so that children could safely play there.

“I also added a memorial bench because unfortunately a bunch of children passed away during the year,” he said. “It was a recognition area and a lot of people liked that especially.”

“He knew that there were things that needed to get done there and he just did it,” his father, Joe, said. “It was all him. It was his idea and his vision of what to do.”

Jancsarics’ accomplishments were lauded by many dignitaries, including proclamations or notes sent from U.S. Sen. Patrick J. Toomey, Gov. Tom Wolf, Pennsylvania Rep. Steve Samuelson, Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure, Bethlehem Mayor Robert Donchez and Bethlehem Area School District Superintendent Dr. Joseph Roy.

“I think my son learned leadership, dedication and perseverance,” said his father. “There were a lot of times when he said ‘I’m done doing this’ and I’ll give a lot of props to my wife... She was the one who made sure he got everything he needed. Also, Troop 362 is a great troop.”

Without question, Christian Michael Jancsarics lived up to the Boy Scout motto: “On my honor, I will do my best.”