Joshua Mahonri Ponce received his Eagle Scout Award at a Court of Honor on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016. He is a member of Venture Crew 2493 sponsored by the Mesquite 4th Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His Eagle Project was putting in cement curbing and gravel around the power transformer at the Thomas D. Leavitt Park in Bunkerville. He earned 26 merit badges and his favorite merit badges were cycling and citizenship in the world. He graduated from Virgin Valley High School in June where he was a member of guitar ensemble and participated in the Clark County Honor Guitar Ensemble. He was also a member of the basketball and baseball teams. He will be serving as a missionary for the LDS church in Argentina. He is the son of Edward and Ruth Ponce.
President David Leavitt, President of the Spanish Branch of the LDS Church, gave Joshua the Eagle Charge. President Leavitt said only 2 boy scouts out of 100 ever achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. President Leavitt explained the meaning of the badge. The Eagle Award had a ribbon of red, white and blue suspended on a scroll with the motto, “Be Prepared”, and representing a smile to remind you to be cheerful in service. The knot below represents the Scout Slogan, “Do a good turn Daily.” The white of the ribbon represents service, the blue represents loyalty, and the red represents courage. The Eagle is attached to the ribbon – representing protection and keen awareness of opportunities to serve. The stars represent truth and knowledge, two important ideals of scouting. President Leavitt said, “When you become an Eagle Scout you are always an Eagle Scout – never refer to yourself as “I was an Eagle Scout.” Your success will be our success and what you do will reflect on all Eagle Scouts for good or bad. When you raise your arm to the square and use 3 fingers to form the scout sign you are reminded of the 3 promises – to be of service to others, duty to God and Country and duty to self in keeping yourself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.” President Leavitt asked Joshua to raise his arm to the square and repeat the scout oath. “I challenge you to remember the scout oath and law and so live as to do your duty to your fellowmen, to God and your country and yourself.” President David Leavitt said.
Joshua’s mother pinned the Eagle Badge on her son and Joshua presented his mother and father with pins to thank them for helping him along the trail to Eagle Scout. Joshua presented the mentor pin to Merlin Hafen for helping him with merit badges and encouraging him. Mark Tichenor, chairman of Virgin Valley BSA, presented Joshua with a pocket knife engraved with the words, “Eagle Scout” as a reminder of his accomplishment in achieving the rank of Eagle.
