For the Gazette

STEVENS POINT – Spencer Andrew Thompson, a member of the Boy Scout Troop # 282 and a resident of Stevens Point, has earned the honor of Eagle Scout, the highest rank that the Boy Scouts offers. Only 3 to 4 percent of Boy Scout members ever attain this prestigious honor.

Thompson, 18, and a recent SPASH grad, who plans to attend Brigham Young University-Idaho this fall, achieved the 21 merit badges required to receive the Eagle Scout award. For his final project he constructed and installed 8 benches along the Ice Age Trail in greater Portage County.  The project was done in memory of Sally Freckmann, a board member of the Ice Age Trail Alliance who passed away in 2016.

“It was an honor to complete this project, which will benefit our local community and help others enjoy the trail,” said Thompson. “It is especially meaningful to do the work on Sally’s behalf.”

A ceremony honoring Spencer took place on April 15, at the Stevens Point LDS Church.  Spencer was supported by several community members, including Senator Patrick Testin, and Representative Katrina Shankland.

Boy Scout Troop 282, chartered by the Stevens Point Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has served the Stevens Point community for over 10 years.