Courtesy photo St. Mark Catholic Church Boy Scout Troop 117 celebrated an Eagle Scout rank advancement at a special Court of Honor in March 2021. Pictured are (from left): The Rev. Ralph Hamer, Scoutmaster; Elaina Hamer; Eagle Scout, Daniel O. Hamer; Monica Neri-Hamer; and former Scoutmaster, Jay Burlingame.

Daniel Owen Hamer received Scouting’s highest honor at an Eagle Scout Court of Honor on March 21.

Daniel is the son of the Rev. Ralph Hamer and Monica Neri-Hamer of Altoona.

Daniel graduated from Great Commission Schools, Altoona, in 2020. He started his scouting career in Cub Scouts with Pack 15 in Altoona. He then joined Troop 117 in the spring of 2013.

Daniel earned the ranks of Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star and Life, and now the rank of Eagle Scout with five palms. He has served the troop as Patrol Leader, Chaplain’s Aide and as a Den Chief with Cub Pack 117.

While in Boy Scouts, Daniel attended summer camps at Camp Seph Mack and Camp Sinoquipe, participated in camporees, Klondike Derbies and various community service projects, including Scouting for Food, the annual Memorial Day Flag project and flag retirements. He was inducted into the Order of the Arrow, Allohak Menewi Lodge No. 57 in 2017. Daniel attended the National Jamboree at Summit Bechtel National Scout Reserve in 2018.

Daniel’s Eagle Scout Project involved purchasing and constructing shelves and other materials to improve the storage area for Blair County Special Olympics. He also established a computerized database and spreadsheet tracking system for their uniforms. Blair County Special Olympics provides year-round​ athletic opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

At his Court of Honor, Daniel received a proclamation from the Pennsylvania State Senate which was presented by Sen. Judy Ward.

He also received a special glass etching from James Turiano, flags flown over the state and U.S. Capitols and other accolades for his achievements.

In addition to participating in Scouting, Daniel was a starter on his high school varsity soccer team, is currently a member of the Nittany Valley Figure Skating Club and trains at both the Pegula Ice Arena, State College, and Alpha Ice Center, Harmersville.

He has competed in various state events and performed in shows in Pittsburgh and State College.

He studied dance at the Altoona Ballet Company and performed in recitals and productions at the Mishler Theatre.

He currently works for McDonald’s, assists with ice skating classes and has completed coursework at Penn Highlands Community College.