Aaron Reynolds Reaches Eagle Scout Rank

Northern Bedford graduate Aaron Reynolds has been an active Boy Scout in Troop 358, located in Martinsburg, since 2016. After earning 43 merit badges, double the required amount, and 226 hours of community service total, Reynolds earned his Eagle Scout Award and Rank on Oct. 7, 2021. His Eagle Scout Project, which consisted of over 350 total community service hours among all participants, and over $4,000 raised in total, was directed toward honoring a local man named Joseph Chonko, who died of heart problems in 2001.

Joseph grew up in the Martinsburg area and attended Central High School, where he played various sports, including football, wrestling, track, and snowboarding. He also worked and volunteered at Camp Mantowagan for many years. For these reasons, Reynolds’ project raised $1,275 for each Camp Mantowagan and the Central High School Athletics Department.

The money raised was put toward installing new AEDs (Automated External Defibrillator) in both locations. The AEDs serve as a precaution for future heart problems. The remaining funds, nearly totaling $1,000, were then donated directly to the Joseph Chonko Memorial Foundation, which funds church camps and missions around the world. The foundation was set up in Joseph’s name after his passing.

Funds for this project were raised through a tradition called Wood Day. This was a tradition that was carried out by Joseph and his father while he was alive, and was continued by family and friends after his passing. Wood Day was a day of cutting down, splitting, and drying out firewood to sell to people in need.

As part of his project, Reynolds organized Wood Day in 2021 and made it more profitable than it had ever been and raised awareness for the cause.

After receiving his award, Reynolds finalized his future plans. Because of his scouting experience, Reynolds discovered his future career. In the fall, Reynolds will be attending UPJ to major in Secondary Education, specializing in English.

Throughout his high school career, he was involved in Boy Scouts, FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America), NHS (National Honors Society), Chorus, Select Choir, Jazz Band, and the musical program at NBC, where he was an ensemble member in “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” and the Tinman in “The Wiz.” He was also involved with a community volleyball league, and plays piano and guitar.