GARDINER — Henry Ryan Avery, 17, of West Gardiner, a member of Troop 672, received his Eagle Scout rank Sept. 23 at Christ Church.
The Avery family now has three Eagles: Henry, his father Ryan and his uncle Collin.
Avery’s Eagle Scout project took place at the Wakefield Wildlife Sanctuary in West Gardiner, where over the course of several days he led others in planning and installing a hiking trail and picnic area. Since he is not yet 18, he can continue to earn more merit badges, of which he has 46. He has spent 59 nights of camping and completed more than 100 hours of service to the community, according to a news release from Chuck Mahaleris, district chairman for the Kennebec Valley District of Scouting.
State Sen. Craig Hickman of Winthrop presented Henry with a Legislative Sentiment and said during the ceremony, “Your Eagle Scout accomplishment is a testament to your character and your leadership.”
“I have done almost everything you can in Scouting,” said Avery, before thanking individually the adults and fellow Scouts who helped him achieve the rank of Eagle. “I have a lot of great memories of Scouting and all my friends in the troop.”
His experiences range from Troop campouts, sleeping in snow huts, summer camp, swimming the mile three times, and attending the Florida Sea Base this past summer. “Scouting has taught me how to lead a group, how to build a fire … and it has built my confidence to try new things.”
Avery, the son of Jill and Ryan Avery, is a junior at Gardiner Area High School.
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