Bob Jones senior becomes Eagle Scout

Matt Bedard built and installed picnic tables and benches along Bradford Creek Greenway in Madison. (Contributed)

By Nick Sellers | Staff Writer

MADISON – Madison’s Troop 350 added another member to the esteemed society of America’s Eagle Scouts recently when Matt Bedard, 17, achieved the rank.

Bedard, who graduates from Bob Jones in May, gave back to the City of Madison with his Eagle project. The Bradford Creek Greenway now has several picnic tables and benches along the 1.1-mile trail thanks to Bedard and other scouts from Troop 350 out of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church.

“I believe that the city will benefit by having a place to sit down along that greenway and have a picnic or rest after running on the trail,” Bedard said.

The rank is the result of a decade of scouting experience Bedard has under his belt, starting with his time in Cub Scouts with Pack 83 when Bedard was in the first grade. His father and uncle, both Eagle Scouts as well, helped guide Bedard along the way.

“It means a lot to me to continue this legacy,” Bedard said. “I also feel honored to be part of the few who have achieved the rank of eagle.”

It is estimated that 3 percent of boys who start scouting achieve the rank of Eagle.

With graduation coming up, Bedard plans to use the title on his resume as he searches for college. He plans to major in either engineering or computer science.

“I believe achieving this rank has made me more of a leader and hard worker,” he said. “Having this rank also helps me in my search for Colleges by making me stand out.”

Bedard has two brothers working on their Eagle rank. Andrew Bedard is currently crafting his Eagle project at Dublin Park and Mitchell is a first class scout, three ranks away from becoming Eagle.