Boy Scout Troop 509 held its Fall Court of Honor in von Karman Auditorium at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory on Sept. 24.

During the Court Kenneth Sugimura, John Choi and Brett Shaw were awarded the highest rank in scouting, Eagle Scout.

John Gimin Choi

John Gimin Choi was born on March 19, 1988 in Los Angeles. He started his scouting career as a Cub Scout in Pack 515, at Palm Crest. He enjoyed the outings that he went on, and decided to join Troop 509.

Choi served the troop as a patrol leader, board of review leader, and as an instructor. He also served as an Instructor at Oak Badge when he returned as staff. He has been on numerous outings such as the High Sierra Horse Trip, Havasupai, Lost Valley, Joshua Tree, white water Rafting on the Kern River, Cherry Valley, and Philmont Scout Ranch. One of his most memorable experiences was when he got lost in Joshua Tree and he and his fellow scouts tried to find their way back in the dark. He earned a total of 36 merit badges on his way to Eagle.

For his Eagle Scout service project Choi replaced two raised garden beds and refinished five benches at Descanso Gardens. The boards of the raised garden beds were rotten, and there were nails sticking out. He sanded and repainted the benches. It created a better atmosphere for the visitors of Descanso Gardens. It was a very rewarding experience for him.

He is currently a junior at La Cañada High School. He volunteers at City Hall and the YMCA. He enjoys helping out in his community. Choi has also received the David Dreier Award.

Choi said he is thankful for the hard work and dedication of parents, leaders, volunteers and fellow scouts, since they helped him become a better person and develop leadership.

The knowledge he has gained while participating in scouting will help him throughout his life.

Kenneth Satoru Sugimura

Kenneth Sugimura was born on Jan. 6, 1987, in Pasadena, to parents who love the outdoors. At a very young age, he rode in a kidpack and experienced cross-country skiing in Mammoth, Sequoia, and Yosemite, and the summer mountain biking in Zion. He toddled along on high-Sierra backpacks to Alpine lakes, horse-backed to view petroglyphs at China Lake, and four-wheeled across the California desert with members of the JPL hiking club.