PORT CHARLOTTE — Since its founding in 1910, the Boy Scouts of America has seen only two million of its members attain the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout — just 2 percent of its entire membership.

On Tuesday in the Port Charlotte United Methodist Church hall, Logan Cretu, a freshman at North Port High School, was welcomed into the ranks of the elite group in a ceremony known as the Court of Honor.

A member of Troop 37 in Port Charlotte, Cretu has been in scouting for eight years. He recently achieved Eagle Scout status by completing a special project — building an open-air patio for Moose Lodge 2121 in Port Charlotte. To be named an Eagle Scout, a member must earn 21 merit badges.

“I jumped on it,” he told the audience, describing his project at the Moose Lodge. “We had to dig out the area, level it, put pavers down, and then we planted trees.”

Besides being recognized by his peers after reaching the top rank in scouting, Tuesday’s ceremony held another special meaning for Logan. His grandfather, Dan Cretu, was his inspiration for becoming a Boy Scout. When Logan placed the mentor pin on Tom Koontz, Troop 37 scoutmaster, and Ed Canfield, Troop 13 scoutmaster, he did not forget his grandfather.

“There would be one more mentor pin up here if my grandfather were alive,” he said.

During the hour-long ceremony, Koontz explained to the audience of about 50 people the virtues that every Boy Scout, especially an Eagle Scout, must possess if the scout is to be successful in life. As he and Logan went from station to station, each manned by a scout from Troop 37, they explained the duties of each rank in order to reach the plateau of Eagle Scout.

“The responsibility of an Eagle Scout is to be trustworthy, loyal, courageous, cheerful and demonstrate service,” Koontz said. “Logan has all these qualities.”

At the completion of the service, Logan’s mother, Karen, pinned the Eagle Scout badge on her son and later said, “He has started on a great journey.”

“The smile on your face lights up the whole room,” she told him.

Logan received certificates from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Moose Lodge 2121, the Charlotte County Commission — and a special congratulatory letter from the First Family, Michelle and Barack Obama.

Canfield said that he has known Logan since he was a baby and had made a promise many years ago to his grandfather to ensure that he would make the rank of Eagle Scout.

Koontz could not have agreed more.

“Keep your head up, follow your instincts, follow your oath,” he said. “Welcome to the brotherhood of Eagle Scouts, Logan.”