Eagle Scouts who became famous include such names as Neil Armstrong, Joe Theismann, Martin Luther King Jr., Harrison Ford and John F. Kennedy. Whether he intends to become famous or not, Thomas Obermark, 18, of Marthasville, intends to use his Scout training to push himself to be the best person he can be.

“It’s hard to say what (Scouting) means to me because I am a Scout,” said Obermark. “It’s not something I do, it’s something I am.”

Obermark’s Court of Honor was held Sunday, Aug. 9, at the Daniel Boone Post 180 American Legion Hall near Marthasville. The son of Lori and Jason Obermark, Thomas also completed his senior year at Washington High School. He is a member of Pack 359 of Marthasville.

Obermark said he experienced doubt about continuing in Scouts as he reached high school age. He felt a little ashamed and “nerdy,” compared to some of his classmates.

“I tried to hide it,” he said. “But it’s who I am. It has taught me a lot of life lessons, like how to be a proper young man — kind, caring. I do my researching about my personal philosophies and life-changing decisions.”

Camping, kayaking and the pinewood derby were a few of Obermark’s favorite Scouting activities. He said one of his first badges was in wilderness survival. He wanted to be able to use the tools of survival properly, including knot tying, compass reading and first aid.

Obermark said he gained a love of photography through his Scouting experience. He has enjoyed learning how a camera works and continues to improve his skills, concentrating on macro photography, including all the great photo opportunities camping affords him.

“I wanted more camping when I was a Cub Scout,” he said. “Being in the outdoors is important to me.”

He credits his Scout leaders and his family for helping him earn the rank of Eagle Scout. He remembers learning under three different Scoutmasters and gaining something from each of them. He credits Scout leader John Guenther for being a great mentor to him from the time he was a Cub Scout.

“He taught me there is always a right way to do things and a wrong way to do things,” remembers Obermark. “He was always good at teaching people of all abilities.”

Obermark remembers what his parents said when he was considering quitting Scouts and quotes them as saying, “You’ve come so close; why are you giving up now?” It was the right thing to say for his personality and his parents continued to stand by him through the rank of Eagle.

Obermark is employed by Jim’s Woodworking and Home Repair and hopes to continue learning the skills it take to fix just about anything in a home. He is also very interested in lawn care and turf management.

His Eagle Scout project included adding a perennial bed at the base of the Post 180 driveway. It took him nearly 60 hours to add topsoil, lay landscaping stone, vinyl decorative fencing and easy care perennials.

“Scouting is very different for every individual,” Obermark said. “It has always been a positive thing for me.”