Christopher Somerset of Jackman was awarded his Eagle Scout badge July 31 during a ceremony at the Arno E. Hughey American Legion Post. He is accompanied by his parents, Sandra and Todd Somerset. Contributed photo

JACKMAN — Christopher Somerset received Scouting’s highest award, the Eagle Scout badge, during a July 31 ceremony at the Arno E. Hughey American Legion Post.

For his Moose River Beautification Eagle Scout project, Somerset and his team built and rebuilt flower boxes at the Armand Pomperleau Town Park and placed half barrels of flowers through the Moose River valley to welcome visitors and enhance the main street.

Somerset, son of Todd and Sandra Somerset, is entering his senior year at Forest Hills High School. His social science Teacher Ami Amero delivered the key note address for the ceremony, according to a news release from Charles Mahaleris, Kennebec Valley District vice chair. She praised the impact Scouting has had not only on the youth of the community but also the impact of those youth on the community itself.

“We have a phenomenal Scouting program,” she said. “Chris is honest, trustworthy and loyal. Christopher makes a positive difference and works well with others … His attitude of caring has been evident many times through his high school career.”

“The Eagle award is the culmination of the efforts of this young man with the support of his parents and leaders,” said Scoutmaster Karla Talpey, who highlighted that the Eagle Scout Service Project is not only one that is physically challenging but also requires the Scout to give leadership over the entire project.

The entire project represents 140 hours of service to benefit the Jackman area.

State Sen. Brad Farrin came from Norridgewock to attend the ceremony and presented Somerset with a Legislative Sentiment and flag from the State of Maine.

His mother pinned the Eagle Scout rank on his uniform, and Pine Tree Council Scout Executive Matt Klutzaritz presented him with the official Eagle Scout certificate and placed the Eagle Scout neckerchief around his neck.

“Scouting to me means to me that you are a hard-working person, you are loyal to your friends and trustworthy to people that don’t know you,” Somerset said after the ceremony.

Scoutmaster Karla Talpey and Scout Leader Al Duplessis address the audience during a July 31 Eagle Scout ceremony for Christopher Somerset of Jackman. Contributed photo