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Diesel Barbee, 16, of Albemarle, has earned his Eagle Scout, which is the highest rank advancement presented in BSA Scouting.
A member of Troop 202, chartered by Locust Presbyterian Church, Barbee is among only 2% of all Scouts who attain the rank of Eagle.
He and Troop 202 held an Eagle Scout Court of Honor at 2 p.m. June 23 at Friendship Methodist Church In Albemarle.
To earn the rank of Eagle, each Scout must earn 21 merit badges (Barbee earned 45), as well as demonstrate leadership, including successfully planning and completing a community service project.
His community service project benefited Millingport Elementary School, where he attended. He constructed a “free loan and lend library” and led his fellow Scouts in its installation. He also supervised the other Scouts in sprucing up the playground with fresh paint.
At his Eagle Rank Court of Honor, he gave his father, Richard, high praise for always encouraging him.
“Some years back, we were hiking up Morrow Mountain and I was really struggling,” he said. “I wanted to quit, but my dad saw me through that day and kept encouraging me. He is my ultimate mentor.”
Barbee has been on a number of Troop 202 Scouting trips — including a 12-day backpacking adventure through the Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico last year. He also went with Troop 202 to see the Grand Canyon, Bryce and Zion national parks in 2022. This in addition to many weekend camp outs to places like Crowders Mountain and Hanging Rock state parks here in North Carolina, along with Grayson Highlands State Park in Virginia.
He is a junior at North Stanly High School and is interested in pursuing automotive technology after he graduates.
Troop 202 has been active in the community through The Big Serve, picking up trash along Running Creek Road through the Adopt-A-Highway program and volunteering at West Stanly Christian Ministries.
Members meet at 7 p.m. on Tuesday and charter out of Locust Presbyterian Church.