By BRIAN DEKONING
Democrat Staff Writer

SOUTH BERWICK, Maine — Derek Carey entered the South Berwick Town Hall a boy Sunday and left an Eagle Scout.

The 18-year-old was honored by about 50 family members, friends and fellow Scouts during an Eagle Scout Court of Honor noted by a former president, U.S. senators and representatives, members of President George W. Bush’s cabinet, and, of course, Derek’s parents.

"This is very rewarding," Dave Carey said of taking part in his son’s Eagle Scout ceremony. "It’s been a long haul from the time he joined Tiger Cubs to now. We’re so proud of him."

Derek earned the highest rank in the Boy Scouts of America by earning merit badges in a litany of areas and completing a service project that marked wildlife nature trails in the Town Forest.

The trail allows access to a portion of the town that is protected from development.

"I’m glad it’s over," Derek said about having the spotlight of the ceremony on him.

He said there were times when he thought about quitting Boy Scouts but that he always had fun.

"Most of my friends from school were in it," he said.

"Here we have more Eagle Scouts than most."

Three Eagle Scouts who were members of Derek’s Troop 338 in South Berwick attended the event: Michael Cleary, Michael Harris, and David Hopkins, all 19.

Town Councilor Sue Roberge and Maine state Rep. Dick Brown also took part in Derek’s induction as an Eagle Scout.

Roberge noted that Derek is now among such famous Americans as Neil Armstrong, Walter Cronkite and Stephen Speilberg — all Eagle Scouts.

Letters of commendation and congratulations were read from former President Gerald Ford, U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe, Secretary of State Colin Powell, speaker of the House Dennis Hastert, Attorney General John Ashcroft, Gov. John Baldacci and others.

"It’s a pretty great thing to see a man develop," Lenny Andrews, past Scout master of Troop 338 said.

"You now become a guide to other members of your community," current Troop 338 Scoutmaster Brian Nichols said to Derek during the ceremony.

Derek thanked his fellow scouts, his family and members of the community who helped him complete his project and who have contributed to scouting.