On Sunday, Jan. 21, Asuncion “Chonito” Martinez was awarded the highest award given to a Boy Scout – the rank of Eagle.

Son of Chon and Jennifer Martinez of Mocksville, Chonito started in the Cub Scout Pack 574 when he was 6. After earning his Arrow of Light, he joined Boy Scout Troop 575 at the First Baptist Church in Mocksville.

Mocksville Mayor Will Marklin, who had been Cubmaster to the pack and, later, Scoutmaster to the Troop through Chon’s years, spoke at the ceremony along with Chris Boardwine, who was Chon’s Den Leader all through Cub Scouts and, later, Assistant Scoutmaster in Troop 575.

Also at the ceremony, many fond memories were shared about all of the adventures and fun the boys and leaders shared through their scouting years.

In addition to earning his Eagle Scout rank, he had been accepted into the Order of the Arrow, had earned 36 merit badges, earned his Ham Radio Operator’s license, and Scuba Diving certification.

In the summer of 2015, the troop spent a week camping and  horseback riding at the Philmont Scout Ranch in Albuquerque, N.M. One of the merit badges, Aviation, influenced him to join the local Civil Air Patrol Squadron at Sugar Valley Airport and he is active in search and rescue.

Chon’s Eagle Scout project was the construction of the new “Welcome to Mocksville” sign featuring the new redesigned town seal on US 158 (North Main Street).Donations were made by Michael Hardman, GemCap Construction, Pine Hall Brick, Shelco, Magnolia Construction, Creative Sign Solutions, Johnson Concrete, Brian Williams, Daniel Furniture, Bob Hullet Realty, and The Masonry Co. Town Manager,Marcus Abernethy helped to bring together the project along with boys from the troop, family, and friends.

“We are very grateful for every one with their help,” he said. “God bless everyone.”