Josh Ortiz

There was no doubt in Josh Ortiz’s mind when he began the scouting program at age 8, that he would some day earn the prestigious Eagle Scout Award. Now, 8 years later, his hard work and perseverance paid off as he earned Boy Scout’s highest honor, the Eagle Scout Award.

On Saturday, Nov. 3, at 2 p.m., an Eagle Court of Honor event will be held to honor Josh’s achievement. The event will be held at the LDS Church, 27050 Sand Canyon Road, Santa Clarita.

To earn Boy Scouting’s highest award, Josh had to earn 28 merit badges, serve as a leader in his troop and complete a major community service project. Josh’s Eagle project took place at Acton Park where he and volunteers, including members of his Boy Scout troop, completed a nearly 300-foot decomposed granite walking path. The project took nearly two months to complete, with over 300 community service hours invested.

Josh started out as a Wolf Scout and graduated to Boy Scouts, joining Acton Troop #145 five years ago. He has served Troop #145 as Troop Historian, Assistant Patrol Leader (Pedro Patrol), Patrol Leader (Pedro Patrol), and Instructor.

Josh is active in his church youth group and has served in leadership capacities for the four-day teen Chrysalis program offered annually. Josh is also a member of his school’s track and field team, where he competes in cross country and currently as a pole-vaulter. Josh was awarded the 2012 Scholar Athlete of the Year award for having the highest grade point average on the Track team.

Josh is an honors and AP student with a 4.5 grade point average at Golden Valley High School in Santa Clarita, where he lives half-time with his father. He also resides half-time with his mother in Acton. He will be a junior this fall and upon graduation in 2014, plans to attend a four year university to earn his Bachelor’s degree.