By Steve Svetovich

Zachary Pyeron knows he has to overcome some obstacles in life to be successful.

With a diagnosis of Aspergers Syndrome, which is in the Autism spectrum, he often has to work a little harder to prove himself.

Son of Tom and Paula Pyeron, Scranton, Zachary, 18, is a senior at Scranton High School and a very proud member of Dunmore Boy Scout Troop No. 66. His father is a former resident of Dunmore.

He recently earned his Eagle Scout badge. That is a big achievement for Zachary. It took a lot of hard work, but it is hard work he did with both passion and compassion.

He loves to help others, and he is not afraid of a challenge.

Zachary’s Eagle Scout project was to sand, paint and re-finish a rod iron fence around the Dunmore Presbyterian Church. With the help of eight adults and 14 scouts, it took five days to complete the project. The group worked on it for two and one-half weekends.

The group received a special plaque from the church pastor Kenneth Forbes in recognition of their hard work.

It is not the first time Zachary was recognized for his community service work.

He previously received two Boy Scout awards, given by the Bishop, for religious and community service work. He received the Ad Altare Dei award and the Pope Pius XII award. He was the only member of the Scranton Diocese to receive the Pope Pius XII award for his religious work in the community. 

A wrought iron fence at the Dunmore Presbyterian Church was refinished by Pteron as his Eagle Scout project. Shown from left are: Geoff Pizzuto, Jon and Ryan Woniak, Zachary Pyeron, Dunmore Presbyterian Church Pastor Kenneth Forbes, church representative Frank Stieler, Bob Hogan, Matt and Bill Culkin, and Matt Taylor.

Zachary is a member of the Latin Club at Scranton High School where he has a 92 academic average. He is a high honors student.

He is an altar server at Saint Anthony’s Church, Dunmore, and is a member of Saint Mary’s Church Youth Group in Dunmore.

He has been involved in scouting for the past four years.

“I really love camping,” he said.

Dominic Pace, his scout leader, asked him to sit in on a group September 11, 2012, and the rest has been history.

Zachary loved scouting right from the start.

He enjoys everything about the camping experience. “When they give me the option of taking a tent or a cabin, I always take the tent,” he said.

Zachary said he is undecided about a college, but would like to study graphic design.

Zachary said he loves everything about scouting. “I love the outdoors and everything scouting has taught me. I especially enjoy giving back to the community.”

After earning his Eagle Scout badge, Zachary said he will take on an active role as an adult member of Dunmore Boy Scout Troop No. 66.

He said scouting helped him with leadership, socialization and first aid skills.

His future goals include going to college and remaining an active adult member of his Dunmore Boy Scout Troop No. 66.

Zachary has overcome a few obstacles already in his young life. Those with Aspergers sometimes are lacking in some socialization skills, but scouting has put Zachary on the right track to success and he intends to stay there.

Congratulations to Zachary Pyeron for a job well done.