SOUTH BERWICK, Maine — A Marshwood High School senior has a new purpose in his life — leading Boy Scouts as an Eagle Scout they can look up to.

"I feel very proud because I can continue to (be in the Scouts and) serve my community," said Michael Cleary, 18, who became the newest Eagle Scout for the South Berwick-based Troop 338 at a ceremony held this past Sunday.

Scouts and Cleary’s family and friends gathered at Town Hall to celebrate the honor together.

During the event, Cleary thanked everyone around him — including his parents and girlfriend — for supporting him in reaching the highest rank in the Boy Scouts.

Becoming an Eagle Scout was his goal, said Cleary, who joined the Cub Scouts almost nine years ago. But he thought he would never finish earning the 21 merit badges needed to apply for the Eagle Scout award.

Encouraged by his girlfriend, however, he continued to work on his tasks. He now has 28 merit badges.

Cleary also worked on an Eagle project to make improvements to the Vaughan Woods State Park by painting trail signs and clearing and cleaning trails. The project also included the painting of the park’s fence.

"I am so excited and thrilled," said Cleary’s mother, Joyce. "He worked so hard."

Joyce and Clifford Cleary, Michael’s 15-year-old sister, Katherine, and grandmother Theresa Hayes were among family members who attended the ceremony.

Lenny Andrews, a former Scoutmaster, said Cleary always took on a leadership role in the troop.

Cleary and Michael Harris, who is also expected to take the oath as another Eagle Scout of Troop 338, have worked together since they joined the Cub Scouts and exhibited a great team spirit, Andrews said.

"It gives you a hope to see kids like that," he said.

After receiving the Eagle Badge, Cleary put an Eagle pin on his mother and a tie pin on his father, which were both presented by Scoutmaster Brian Nichols.

Scouters took turns reading congratulatory letters from prominent figures, including the superintendent of schools and Gov. Angus King.

Town Councilor Robert Gagne also presented a congratulatory letter on behalf of the council.