Don Benson Byrd, son of Donald and Denise Byrd of the McGee’s Crossroads community, was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout, which is the highest rank in Scouting. Don is the first scout in Troop 33 to earn this honor. Don was honored at an Eagle Scout Court of Honor at Oakland Presbyterian Church in the Cleveland community on Jan. 9. Oakland Presbyterian Church has hosted Troop 33 since the troop’s beginning.

For Don’s Eagle Project, he designed and built a regulation size volleyball court at his church, Benson Grove Baptist Church.

Don has is a member of the Order of the Arrow, the Boy Scout Honor Society. He is a sophomore at West Johnston High School.

Don is the grandson of Bennie and Delores Benson of McGee’s Crossroads and Mary Lou Byrd and the late Bill Byrd of Four Oaks.

The keynote speaker for Don’s Eagle Court of Honor was NC Supreme Court Justice Paul Newby. Special guests included Congressman Bob Etheridge, who presented Don with a flag and certificate and Representative JH Langdon, who presented him with a certificate. Don’s parents hosted a reception for guests following the ceremony.