San Juan Hills freshman raises flagpole to receive scouting’s highest honor
Scouts and leaders from San Juan Capistrano’s Troop 12 helped JonErik Moyles (third from left) complete his Eagle Scout project. Here, Dana Point Mayor Lisa Bartlett joins the troop at the flagpole’s dedication ceremony. Courtesy photo
By Andrea Papagianis
San Juan Hills High School freshman JonErik Moyles joined the Boy Scouts of America in first grade. While just a young Tiger Scout, Moyles knew what he wanted and set his sights on the organization’s highest honor.
On Monday, with the dedication of his months- and years-long project, 15-year-old Moyles joined just 2 percent of scouts in the Eagle Scout ranks. Old Glory was lifted high above Dana Point that morning to honor the men and women Moyles dedicated his project to.
With the help of his San Juan Capistrano Troop 12, Moyles raised funds by selling water bottles at eight Dana Point events to bring a new flagpole to the Nature Interpretive Center. Moyles also turned recycled aluminum cans and plastic bottles in for cash, held a photography session at the beach with Accent Portraits by Diana and a gift-basket donation.
Monday, their hours of work were recognized as city leaders, scouts and members of the Camp Pendleton-based 5th Marine Regiment joined Moyles in dedicating the town’s newest addition.
“I feel really accomplished and am really proud of myself,” Moyles said.
Moyles dedicated the project to the nation’s Marines and Sailors after learning of the city’s and 5th Marine Regiment Support Group’s work with local servicemen and women. The U.S. Marine Corps thanked Moyles by raising the pole’s first flag, one that has flown at forward operating bases in both Iraq and Afghanistan.
To see Moyles’ Eagle Scout project, visit the Nature Interpretive Center located at 34558 Scenic Drive.