Carter Butterfield of Phillips received Scouting’s highest honor, the Eagle Scout award, during a ceremony Dec. 27 at the Strong Methodist Church Parish House.

He is the third Butterfield to earn the Eagle Scout rank. His brothers Benjamin earned it in 2018 and Jacob in 2020.

“Scouting has helped our family be more involved in the greater community and lead organized efforts to improve our area,” Sheila Butterfield, Carter’s mother, said in a news release from Chuck Mahaleris, district vice chairman for the Kennebec Valley District of Scouting. “The structure of Scouting has led us to be more productive and helpful over the years. It’s given the boys the opportunity to sample many trades and learn practical skills.”

Butterfield attends Mt. Abram High School. He will turn 18 in a few months and has time to continue to earn merit badges.

The Eagle Scout Award marks the pinnacle of achievement in Scouts BSA, but it’s not the last thing many Eagle Scouts achieve in the program. Eagle Palms, introduced in 1927, give Scouts something else to earn. An Eagle Scout will receive one palm for each five merit badges beyond those necessary to earn the Eagle Scout rank. Butterfield has already earned three palms for the 15 additional badges he has received.

He received many congratulatory expressions. State Rep. Mike Soboleski of Phillips delivered his remarks in person sharing the pride of the entire Legislature for Carter’s accomplishments.

Butterfield presented pins to his parents Robert and Sheila and a mentor pin to former Scoutmaster Ken Flagg.

“I believe in the Scouts BSA as a movement,” Butterfield said. “It helps a Scout become master of his own powers, helping them to get along with other people and it helps them find a worthy use of their powers.”

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