Devin Thomas Vogel became the first member of Vernon Boy Scout Troop 912 to earn the prestigious Eagle Award. The ceremony was held at the Lafayette Federated Church in Lafayette on Saturday, Nov. 3. The Eagle Scout award is a performance-based award achieved by about 2 percent of Boy Scouts. The Eagle Court of Honor was held to spotlight Devin’s Scouting achievements through each of the Boy Scout ranks on his path to his Eagle. A number of official representatives attended and offered their congratulations, including officials from the Patriot Paths Council, Kiwanis, Sons of the American Revolution, New Jersey State Police and the Sussex County Sheriffs Office. Several letters from dignitaries were read at the ceremony. Devin began his Scouting career in September of 1999 by becoming a member of Tiger Cub program in Cub Scout Pack 90 in Franklin. With Pack 90 he earned the ranks of Tiger, Bobcat, Wolf, Bear and Webelos. In 2003, Devin joined Boy Scout Troop 283 and attained the ranks of Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class and Star Scout. In 2006 Devin transferred to Troop 912 and quickly achieved the rank of Life Scout. He also began his Trail to Eagle, as the program is called. Devin earned 31 merit badges on his Trail to Eagle. He also had to plan and develop an Eagle service project. Devin’s Eagle project was to help create an agility exercise section in the new Wantage Dog Park. He used his leadership skills to plan, build and install the agility equipment that included jumps, ramps and hurdles. Devin researched different types of dog agility equipment available and then developed a plan for 10 permanent pieces for the park. The required materials were secured through donations from many local businesses. The construction of the equipment was completed with the help of many families, friends and member of Troop 912. One of the highlights of Devin’s Scouting career was when he was inducted as an Ordeal member to the Woapalanne Lodge #43 Order of the Arrow. This October he advanced to Brotherhood Member. Devin and his parents Valerie and Thomas Vogel live in Hamburg. He attends Sussex County Technical High School and is enrolled in the welding program. He also enjoys working on his dirt bike and quad and likes to go snowboarding when time allows.