As a kindergartener, Niconer (Nic) Gonzales informed his mother that one day he would become an Eagle Scout. The 15-year-old Los Alamos High School freshman realized that dream Sunday afternoon during a special Troop 22 Eagle Court of Honor ceremony at Fuller Lodge.

“I am incredibly proud of Nic,” said his mother Laura Gonzales, Chief Information Officer at Los Alamos County. “He is a determined and dedicated individual and he wanted to become an Eagle Scout, not so much for himself but because he always wanted to help people. His Scoutmaster said Nic is the ‘definition of cheerful service.'”

Scoutmaster Dane Spearing explained that in Troop 22, each ceremony is a little bit different and is written by the Scout’s family. The ceremony is held after an Eagle Scout board of review has certified that a Scout has completed all the requirements for that rank. Requirements include earning at least 21 merit badges and demonstrating Scout Spirit through the Boy Scout Oath and Law, service and leadership. This includes an extensive service project that the Scout plans, organizes, leads, and manages. Gonzales completed the Mesa Public Library Pathway as his service project.

Eagle Scout is the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouting program of the Boy Scouts of America. A Scout who attains this rank is called an Eagle Scout or Eagle. Additional recognition can be earned through Eagle Palms, awarded for completing additional tenure, leadership and merit badge requirements.

“This is one of the most incredible achievements of my life and it’s pretty amazing I got it this early, most Scouts get theirs the last minute of senior year,” Gonzales said. “One of the greatest things that being an Eagle Scout means to me is everything I’ve learned about being a leader.”

Gonzales’ grandfather Rey Gonzales gave both the invocation and benediction at Sunday’s Eagle Court of Honor ceremony.

“We thank you God for your support of everyone who has helped guide Nic on his Eagle Trail,” Gonzalez said. “We are grateful for the Scouting experiences and opportunities that have led to this day. Help Nic to live up to the honor, responsibility and expectations that this Eagle award represents … May you lead by influence and not by title alone. May you lead with that delicate mix of humility, strength, example and force.”

A Color Guard presentation closed out Sunday’s Eagle Court of Honor ceremony followed by lunch for the guests and participants.