Prepared. For Life.

That’s the motto of Scouts BSA, formerly the Boy Scouts of America.

That’s also the status Michael T. Johnson believes he has attained after earning the organization’s highest rank.

Johnson, 18, recently achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, which was made official at a Court of Honor Ceremony Sunday at Sts. Peter and Paul.

He’s the first scout to achieve the honor since his father, David Johnson, rechartered Troop 196 here in 2014.

“I was extremely committed to it as long as it was something he wanted,” said David, who himself earned Eagle Scout status in 1988 and is the local troop’s Scoutmaster.

“I wanted to make sure he got it.”

The younger Johnson, who will be a senior this fall at Kingfisher High School, earned the rank of Life in 2016 and faced his own uncertainties of reaching his goal of Eagle Scout before turning 18, which is a requirement.

He still had to complete his Eagle Scout project and was struggling to decide on its scope.

“I wanted to make sure it was something that would have the biggest impact on the community,” said Johnson, also the son of Mea Bonds of Kingfisher.

Then the Johnsons were contacted late last year by the Center of Family Love in Okarche, which was looking to work with a troop for an Eagle Scout project.

Fate had intervened.

Johnson spearheaded an effort to build a new flagpole plaza for CFL in a place of prominence on the campus.

He also built a patio to be used by CFL residents.

“It was really a fun experience for all of us in the troop,” Johnson said.

“We are so honored to work with this incredible and selfless group of young men,” said Center of Family Love CEO Debbie Espinosa. “It’s truly inspiring to see young people who are finding ways to use their passions to serve others and we are beyond grateful for all that they do for our residents.”

That project helped Johnson earn his rank in December - prior to turning 18 - but the Court of Honor ceremony had to be delayed until last weekend due to the pandemic.

It was at the ceremony that he was presented his Eagle Scout certificate signed by President Donald Trump as well as another certificate signifying him as a life member of the National Eagle Scout Association.

“It made me very happy; I got emotional,” said Johnson, who started as a Tiger Cub in Stillwater as a first grader.

His family moved to Kingfisher in 2010 and he continued on his trek up the ranks.

Tenderfoot. Second Class. First Class. Star.

He attained all those ranks and racked up 54 badges, which was 33 more than is required to become an Eagle Scout.

“I just love scouting, camping, the outdoors,” he continued. “It’s my life.”

It’s also something he and his father hope other area youth will pursue.

“I believe this is one of the greatest things parents can do for their kids,” David said.

His son then rattled off a laundry list of things he’s learned in his scouting career from survival and first aid to personal finance.

“Life skills in general,” he said.

Brian Miller has worked alongside David Johnson as an assistant scoutmaster for the troop. Now Michael can serve as an assistant scoutmaster as well.

“I just hope people see scouting and the effect it can have on a community and the nation,” said Michael. “I want people to see how special it is and how big an impact it can have.”