By BRAD MORIN
Democrat Staff Writer

SOUTH BERWICK, Maine — The Boy Scouts of America conferred its highest honor on local resident David Hopkins, naming him an Eagle Scout during a ceremony Sunday afternoon at the South Berwick Town Hall.

The son of Ed and Barbara Hopkins, David is a freshman engineering student at the University of New Hampshire.

Hopkins spent two years on his Eagle Scout project to build a skateboard park for the town’s new Teen Center. Hopkins’ community service will continue, as he enlisted May 7 into the New Hampshire Air National Guard.

Tim Shea, a committee chairman for South Berwick’s Troop 338, said only 2 percent of the boys who enter scouting will ever reach the rank of Eagle.

"By his actions this past Easter morning, he takes seriously his devotion to the welfare of others," Shea said.

Shea was referring to Hopkins’ efforts to save two women and a toddler when their Somersworth apartment caught fire in the early morning hours of Easter Sunday.

Firefighter’s nicknamed him "Spider-Man" because he climbed out of a third-story window to summon help and then climbed back up to assist the help the occupants of the apartment. Somersworth Fire Chief Paul Vallee called Hopkins a hero.

The Eagle Scout ceremony, which is known as the Court of Honor, drew a large number of Hopkins’ friends and family.

"It really does mean a lot to me that you are here," Hopkins said.

Hopkins received congratulation letters from the U.S. Rep. Tom Allen, D-Maine, Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, Maine Gov. Angus King, former presidents George Bush and Jimmy Carter, Microsoft founder Bill Gates, the American Legion, and the Boy Scouts of America’s national office. The South Berwick Rod and Gun Club gave him a gift certificate to the Kittery Trading Post.

David Webster, chairman of the South Berwick Town Council, thanked Hopkins for his work on the skateboard park. Hopkins organized and planned the project, which involved 22 scouts and volunteers who gave 675 hours of service.

Hopkins also received a letter of congratulations from the Air National Guard. Senior Master Sgt. David Caswell attended the ceremony and said Hopkins has been assigned to work in his squadron after he completes basic training.