MATTHEW MARTIN EARNS RANK OF EAGLE SCOUT

Matthew P. Martin, 14, has earned the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest award given by the Boy Scouts of America. He is a member of Troop 311 sponsored by the Jackson Optimist Club.

For his project Martin helped design and build bookcases for three classrooms at Orchard Drive Elementary School in Jackson. Martin has earned 22 merit badges since 1986, served in several leadership positions and was inducted into the Order of the Arrow in 1993.

Martin, the son of Larry and Harriet Martin of Jackson, is a freshman at R.O. Hawkins Junior High. He is a member of New McKendree Methodist Church and participates in school bands.