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Michael Gosse, 18, of Locust has earned his Eagle Scout, which is the highest rank advancement presented in BSA Scouting.

A member of Troop 202, chartered by Locust Presbyterian Church, Gosse is one of only two percent of all Scouts who attain the rank of Eagle Scout.

Gosse and Troop 202 held an Eagle Scout Court of Honor at Locust Presbyterian Church at 2 p.m. Aug. 7 at Locust Presbyterian Church.

To earn the rank of Eagle, each Scout must earn 21 merit badges — Gosse earned 36 — as well as demonstrate leadership, including successfully planning and completing a community service project.

Gosse’s community service project benefited the Uwharrie National Forest by posting mile markers along all 29 miles of the Uwharrie Trail. He chose that project because of all the hikes Troop 202 takes on that trail.

“I’m going to miss everyone in the troop, but it feels good to be moving on with the next part of my life,” he said.

He is a 2022 graduate of West Stanly High School and is now entering the workforce.

He started with Scouts in the third grade when he was 8 and has traveled with Troop 202 on trips to Rocky Mountain National Park in 2016 and Yosemite National Park in 2018, along with many weekend camping and backpacking adventures.

Troop 202 has been active in the community through The Big Serve, picking up trash along Running Creek Road through the Adopt-A-Highway program and volunteering at West Stanly Christian Ministries.

The troop meets at 7 Tuesday nights at Locust Presbyterian Church.