TURNER — Ethan Varney, 16, of Turner, a member of Boy Scout Troop 187 of the charter organization, Phillip S. Bryant Memorial Post 111, American Legion, was recently recognized by the Boy Scouts of America for achieving the highest rank in Scouting, Eagle Scout.

Varney has been involved with Scouting for over 10 years, starting as a Tiger in the Cub Scouts. Most recently he held positions in the Boy Scout troop as the senior patrol leader as well as junior assistant Scout Master. He also spent several weeks at Camp Hinds in Raymond as a counselor-in-training. His most recent accomplishments include helping to lead the troop on a week-long canoeing trip in Jackman as well as submitting the peak of Mt. Katahdin.

Varney’s Eagle Service Project included the construction of a roof structure over picnic tables in Riverlands State Park, Turner. He worked with Adam McKay, park ranger for the Riverlands and Range Pond parks. The picnic area is located approximately a mile south of the parking area at the end of the Homestead Trail.

His Eagle Scout Court of Honor promotion ceremony took place at the Boofy Quimby Memorial Center in Turner on July 22. Dozens of scouts, friends, family, local officials and other guests were in attendance. He received several awards for citizenship and community service.

Varney, son of Trevor and Heidi, plans to attend college following high school to study biomedical engineering with the goal of entering the medical field of oncology. He believes his experiences with Scouting has helped prepare him to assist those in need.

Only about 4 percent of all Boy Scouts earn the rank of Eagle Scout after a lengthy review process. It is the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouts of America. Requirements necessary to achieve the Eagle Scout rank take years to fulfill and include holding leadership positions with rank advancement, completing a minimum of 21 merit badges, and extensive community service projects. The designation “Eagle Scout” was created by the Boy Scouts more than 100 years ago.

Ethan Varney