Scouts earn Eagle awards
Joshua Burd has been chosen as the 2013 American Legion Eagle Scout of the Year for the state of Pennsylvania. Josh will be recognized for his achievement in July at the American Legion 95th annual State Convention in Harrisburg. Josh will receive a $1,000 scholarship.
Josh is the son of Jim and Nelda Burd of Saxonburg, and the grandson of Mary Jo Burd and the late James M. Burd.
Josh is a member of Troop 58 in Moraine Trails Council and is a senior at Knoch High School.
He has participated in American Legion Boys Nation, Boys State, debate team, varsity soccer, district jazz band and marching band and was the lead in the spring musical.
Josh is also president of Student Council, president of his school's National Honor Society and drum major of the marching band.
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Joshua Gray, 16, was honored April 27 for his achievement of the Eagle Scout rank at his Court of Honor hosted by Chartiers-Houston Boy Scout Troop 1378. He is the son of Allen and Elaine Gray of Houston, Pa.His great-grandparents, Merle and Betty Gray of Valencia, participated in the ceremony by offering the invocation and benediction.Joshua earned 21 merit badges and participated in numerous camping trips including the 2011 World Jamboree in Sweden.His Eagle project was to provide a safe shooting area for the Pennsylvania Field and Target Outdoor Archery Championship. The Eagle Charge was particularly meaningful as it was given by Joshua's older brother, Lucas Gray, a former member of the troop and an Eagle Scout himself and witnessed by their grandparents, Joe and Dorothy Lucas of Mars and Bob and Bonnie Gray of Renfrew. Merle said, “It's a rarity and an honor to see not one, but two great-grandsons presented with this most prestige award.”
