Sylva youth achieves Eagle Scout award
Eric Cox, 16, of Sylva, has earned the highest advancement award the Boy Scouts of America offers to Scouts, the Eagle Scout rank.
Cox is a member of Troop 999, which is chartered by First United Methodist Church of Sylva.
Cox was recognized at an Eagle Court of Honor on Dec. 10. Boy Scout leaders Steve Morse and Robin Pope, along with Scoutmaster Ernie Scherman, presented Cox with his Eagle Medal and awards. State Senator Jim Davis also presented Cox with a North Carolina Flag that flew over the State Capital.
Cox started with Sylva Boy Scout Troop 999 at age 11, progressing through the ranks of Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star and Life Scout to earn the Eagle Scout rank. Cox completed a total of 29 merit badges, surpassing the 21 required to become an Eagle Scout.
Cox has served as a leader in his troop and was voted into the Order of the Arrow Tsali Lodge by his fellow scouts.
Cox’s Eagle Service Project was to design and construct an octagonal pavilion cover for the Woodland Church of Christ in Sylva. His Eagle Scout Project involved 19 volunteers with a combined total of 395 hours to complete.
Cox is an active member of the Woodland Church of Christ and is the son of Ronald and Beth Cox of Sylva.
