Since the time when Dustin Moritz was very young, he has had a goal: To become an Eagle Scout.

The son of a troop leader, Dustin has been participating in scouting events since before he was old enough to officially join.

“When I was three I was always hanging out there with dad,” he said. “When I finally became of age, I joined and it’s been an amazing experience these past 11 years.”

Dustin’s goal of attaining the highest rank in Boy Scouts became a reality Saturday when he had his Eagle Scout Court of Honor. With 44 merit badges, the 17-year-old Ironton High School student has more than twice the number required for the honor.

Being around other Eagle Scouts all his life made him determined to become one himself, Dustin said. His father, Gary Moritz is also an Eagle Scout.

“I wanted to make him proud and become and Eagle Scout,” he said.

A scoutmaster since 1995, Gary Moritz is proud of his son’s accomplishments.

“It’s been tough sometimes,” the elder Moritz said. “But it’s good for any boy. It teaches them good moral values, ethics and character.

“It seems like a majority of the educational institutions these days get away from those core values.”

Dustin’s Eagle Scout project consisted of erecting a flagpole at Sharon Baptist Church, where he attends. The church has many veterans, he said.

“I was thinking that I could give back to the church so that they can fly the flag 24 hours a day,” Dustin said.

Dustin raised the money for the pole, the cross at the top of the pole and the aluminum paint. He also organized volunteers for the project.

Besides becoming an Eagle Scout, Dustin has also been selected by the Tri-Stare Area Council to be the third assistant scoutmaster for the 2010 National Scout Jamboree.

“It’s just a great honor,” Dustin said of becoming an Eagle Scout. “It makes me feel great about myself that I pushed forward and accomplished it.”