MONMOUTH — Boy Scout Troop 654 of Monmouth honored Joseph Manduca, 16, at an Eagle Scout Court of Honor held Sept. 30 at the Monmouth Fish & Game Building. Manduca is the son of Thomas and Karen Manduca of Monmouth.

There were more than 100 in attendance including family, Scouts, friends, neighbors, teachers and coaches. Pine Tree Council executive director Eric Tarbox presented Joseph with his Eagle Medal. Prayers were led by Father Frank Morin. Sen. Earl McCormick and Rep. Mel Newendyke presented Joseph with a State of Maine flag that had flown over the State Capital, an American Flag and a certificate.

Only two percent of Scouts attain the highest rank of the Boy Scouts of America. An Eagle Scout must have completed at least 21 merit badges and organized a service project that benefits his church, community or school. Manduca led a crew in building two covered picnic shelters at the head of the Whittier Woods walking trails at the Cobbossee Boat Launch off Route 135 in Monmouth.

Manduca joined Monmouth Cub Scout Pack 654 at age 7 and later earned their highest award, the Arrow of Light, before crossing over to Monmouth Boy Scout Troop 654. He regularly attended summer camp at Camp William Hinds in Raymond and participated in High Adventure trips to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico and the BSA Maine High Adventure Area based at Grand Lake Matagamon in northern Maine.

Manduca, a junior at Monmouth Academy, has participated in high school swimming, band and golf. He is a member and team captain of the Twin Cities Swim Team of the Auburn-Lewiston YMCA. He is a long time member of Saint Michael’s Parish, Winthrop, where he has been an alter server and part of the youth ministry.

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