WINTHROP — Anthony Joseph “A.J.” Begenwald III, of Boy Scout Troop 604, Winthrop, recently earned the Eagle Scout Award, Scouting’s highest honor and truly one of life’s major milestones. Along his “Trail to the Eagle” were many physical and emotional obstacles, including cardiac problems, his father’s disability, and setbacks and challenges in his education. But his stubborn determination to outdo his older brothers kept him on track. He will receive the award during an Eagle Court of Honor at 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 29, in the Winthrop Town Hall.

For his leadership service project, A.J. designed and installed a flagpole and garden at the United Methodist Church’s Camp Mechuwana in Winthrop.

Being an Eagle Scout carries with it a special significance throughout a boy’s life. Only 2 percent of all Boy Scouts earn the Eagle Scout Award. As an Eagle Scout, A.J. joins a very elite cadre of men in American history, including Gerald Ford, James Lovell and Steven Spielberg. Of the 12 people in all of history who have walked on the moon, 11 were Boy Scouts, and two of them (Neil Armstrong and Charles Duke) were Eagle Scouts. Congratulations to A.J., his parents, Joe and Laura Begenwald, and Troop 604.