Samuel Boynton of China, a senior at Erskine Academy, was presented with the highest award in Scouting during a ceremony Feb. 5 at the China Baptist Church.

Troop 479 Scoutmaster Christian Hunter said during the ceremony, “The pathway to Eagle can be described as a steep trail leading up to three peaks, the highest being that of Eagle Scout. Officially, the trail starts with the Tenderfoot rank and continues through Second and First Class ranks. Then, the mountain climbing begins. The path is marked with merit badges, leadership responsibilities, service projects, and the practice of Scouting skills and ideals. The first peak reached is that of Star Scout, the second is Life Scout, and, finally, Eagle Scout,” according to a news release from Chuck Mahaleris, district chairman for the Kennebec Valley District of Scouting.

Boynton’s climb to Eagle began when he joined Cub Scouting in 2011. By 2016 he had joined Scout Troop 479. He completed all requirements for Eagle Scout rank last September when he passed his Eagle Scout Board of Review, exactly six years after earning his Scout rank.

Boynton’s Eagle Scout project saw improvements to the Monument Trail at Thurston Park.

His parents were participants in the ceremony. Jennifer Boynton, Sam’s mother, pinned the Eagle Scout medal on her son’s uniform and Sean Boynton, Sam’s father, replaced his troop neckerchief with one only worn by Eagle Scouts.

Sam Boynton also received a Bronze Eagle Palm for earning five merit badges beyond the 21 required for Eagle Scout. He presented his parents with Eagle Scout pins in recognition of the assistance and guidance they had given him through his Scouting career.

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