John B. Woodard III, a  member of BSA Troop 715, New Philadelphia Moravian Church, was presented with the Boy Scouts’ highest rank, Eagle Scout, at a special Court of Honor ceremony on Dec. 17 at New Philadelphia in Winston Salem.

John, 15, the son of John and Joan Woodard of Mocksville, joined Scouting as a Cub Scout at Troop 942 Cavalry Baptist Church.

During that time in addition to required rank achievement he earned his God and Family Award and received the Cub Scouts highest award, the Arrow of Light.

On the road to Eagle John hiked many miles, camped many nights and accumulated many hours of community service. He worked his way through the ranks and earned 31 merit badges. He served his troop as Scribe, Quartermaster, Chaplain, Assistant Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader and was elected to the upmost troop leadership post of Senior Patrol Leader.

Woodard was also elected by his fellow Scouts to the Order of the Arrow, a national Boy Scout honor society where he holds the rank of Brotherhood.

This past August John went to the Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico for Cavalcade which entails 10 days of camping, riding, hiking, and activities.

For his Eagle Scout project, Woodard earned and raised funds and worked with the organization AnySoldier.com to send 50 personal care packages to members of the Armed Services overseas. Woodard felt this was a rewarding experience and wants the men and women serving in war zones overseas to know they are remembered and that someone appreciates their service.

Woodard is a sophomore at Forsyth Country Day school where he is an honor student, a member of the lacrosse team (2016 State Champions), Young Americans for Freedom, and Youth and Government. He enjoys the outdoors, hunting and working with his father on the family farm.

He looks forward to always trying to lead a life that honors his rank of Eagle Scout.