Three St. Thomas More parish Scouts recently were awarded Scouting’s highest designation at an Eagle Court of Honor at the St.Thomas More family center.

Derek Basta, David Carolan and Braden Damitz were the guests of honor while family and friends heard details of the long road traveled to earn the Eagle Scout designation.

Basta, son of William and Wendy Basta, of Salisbury Township, became a Scout in February 2011. He earned 40 merit badges in various disciplines and served in the Order of the Arrow, Arrow of Light, patrol leader and senior patrol leader in his quest. He served in Troop 439 in the Trexler District of the Minsi Trails Council. The Troop is sponsored by St. Thomas More Church.

Carolan, son of Michael and Christine Carolan, of Lower Macungie Township, became a Scout in Troop 439 in 2011, earning 36 merit badges, and served in the Arrow of Light, as librarian, quartermaster, patrol leader and senior patrol leader as he advanced in Scouting. He also earned the bronze, silver and gold Eagle palms.

Damitz, son of Kevin and Susie Damitz, of Salisbury Township, also joined Troop 439 in 2011. He earned 28 merit badges as well as the Arrow of Light and the Order of the Arrow. He served in the Troop as scribe, chaplain aide, den chief, patrol leader and assistant senior patrol leader during his advancement.

For their Eagle project, at different times, Basta and Carolan participated in an extensive project to remove an invasive species of tree known as viburnum on the property of the Wildlands Conservancy in Emmaus. After clearing their assigned sections of these trees, the Scouts planted a wide variety of native plant species purchased from Edge of the Woods Native Plant Nursery in Orefield. The new plants were protected with deer fencing anchored by weatherproof stakes.

For his Eagle Scout project, Damitz modernized various sections of Mary’s Shelter in Bethlehem. The project consisted of patching walls, repainting doors, walls and trim and installing a chair rail in the main foyer. Areas painted included the foyer, main hallway, two stairwells, the upstairs hall and sections of the ceiling. With 20 volunteers on six weekends, nearly 5,000 square feet was painted, totaling approximately 220 hours of labor. The paint was provided through a donation by the Sherwin Williams Company. The project provided the shelter with a fresh look through a paint more durable and washable for the heavy volume of residents, staff and guests.