John Martoccia achieves Eagle Scout rank

John Martoccia achieved the highest rank in Boy Scouts of America, becoming an Eagle Scout. A member of Lebanon’s BSA Troop 200, John is the son of Paul and Jackie Martoccia of Annandale and is a senior at North Hunterdon High School.

The Immaculate Conception School and Church are the beneficiaries or John’s Eagle Scout project. Throughout the 40+ hour project, John organized a team of 18 volunteers, including his father, grandfather, friends and troop members, as they built three garden beds and a storage shed.

John selected the project because of his connection with Immaculate Conception, he and his family are members of the congregation and his mother taught at the school.

“Leadership and learning are inseparable,” states John. “It’s crucial to know exactly what you want to accomplish and how to carry out the process before anybody picks up a tool.”

John’s journey to Eagle Scout began in third grade with Cub Scout in Pack 190, earning the Arrow of Light as a Webelo. As a member of Troop 200, John served as the troop’s Quartermaster for four years, a Patrol Leader and Assistant Senior Patrol Leader. In 2020, he was selected for membership in the Order of the Arrow, the Boy Scout National Honor Society before becoming Troop 200’s ninety-third Eagle Scout.

Eagle Scout requirements take years to acquire and include earning a minimum of 21 merit badges. Over the years, John has earned 28 merit badges including: Citizenship in Society, Environmental Science, First Aid, Wilderness Survival and Archeology.