Parents Jack and Michelle Kareckas watch proudly as their son Kevin, of Troop 338 South Berwick Maine, recites the Eagle Pledge with Committee Chairman Julie Hundley during his Eagle Ceremony at the First Federated Church. (photo courtesy of Eagle Scout Bill Straub)

SOUTH BERWICK, Maine — Kevin Kareckas received his Eagle badge and official recognition Saturday as he accepted the Eagle Challenge at the First Federated Church in South Berwick Saturday.

The young man was honored by dozens of family members, friends and fellow Scouts during an Eagle Scout Court of Honor, which included State Representative Bonnie Gould, Commander Gary Spaulding and Adjutant Malcolm Kenney of VFW Post 5744, Former Scout Leader and Eagle Scout Wayne Patch, Former Scout Leader Jason King, Troop 338 Committee Chair Julie Hundley, Troop Secretary and former Scoutmaster Lenny Andrews, Teacher, former Troop 338 Leader and Eagle Scout Khayyam Mohammed. Eagle Scouts Brian Liberty, Skip Cousens, Don Laliberte, Bill Straub and Thad Webster were also present.

Commander Gary Spaulding of VFW Post 5744 and State Representative Bonnie Gould pose with Eagle Scout Kevin Kareckas. (photo courtesy of Eagle Scout Bill Straub)

Jason King, Kevin's mentor and leader throughout Boy Scouts, was Master of Ceremonies and remarked on the dedication it took to achieve this goal, while Scouts lit the individual candles on a Path to Eagle Candelabra. Reverend Donna Lee Muise read the Invocation and Benediction, and Assistant Scoutmaster Patty Olsen led the Pledge of Allegiance as the Color Guard of Scouts posted the flag. Wayne Patch, his Cub Scout Leader from the time he joined Bear Cubs until he crossed over to Boy scouts, read a passage from the scout handbook he himself used as a boy. Gary Spaulding read a letter presenting Kevin an award from the VFW Post and Lenny Andrews presented a gift certificate from the Troop's Charter Sponsor, the South Berwick Rod & Gun Association.

Kevin earned this highest rank in the Boy Scouts of America by earning merit badges in a variety of areas, holding leadership positions and completing a service project to plan, design, & build a new information display kiosk at the summit of Mt. Agamenticus to display the mountain's history, interesting facts and recent events.

Kevin stands with Assistant Scoutmaster and Maine State Trooper Steve Shea at his Eagle Ceremony Saturday. (photo courtesy of Adjutant Malcolm Kenney, VFW Post 5744)

The materials had to be long-lasting and able to withstand the rigors of extreme wind and weather in a mountain setting, but be composed of an evironmentally- friendly alternative to conventional pressure-treated materials.

"It's a good feeling to give back to the community," Kevin said. "I'm grateful to my parents, my mentors Mr. Patch and Mr. King, and all my other leaders for guiding me along this journey."

He said it was hard to balance school, work, family, and Scouts, but he had a lot of fun along the way and it was worth it.

Kevin was the 20th boy to achieve Eagle Scout since Troop 338 was re-founded in 1987.

Kevin looks forward to attending the Eagle Court of Honor of his friend Sam King when he finishes his own Eagle project this spring. Kevin is a senior at Marshwood High School and is his class treasurer and co-captain of the boys lacrosse team. Next year, he will be attending Wheelock College in Boston, majoring in Elementary Education.