Earning an Eagle badge is quite an honor for a Boy Scout.

Only 5 percent of Scouts achieve this distinction and Andrew Madura, 18, of Whitehall, is now one of them.

A community project must be completed to attain the Eagle badge.

Madura explained his project in pursuing his badge. He said it involved sorting and organizing boxes among boxes of items at the Helfrich Springs Grist Mill in Whitehall.

Madura said he categorized the boxes to create a master list for the Whitehall Historical Preservation Society.

While he originally had another project in mind, the Grist Mill called him about this project, which he eventually completed.

"I've always liked being in Scouts," Madura says. "I loved camping and being with my troop."

Cub Scouts is where Madura started, and he has continued up to Eagle Scouts. He said he always enjoyed it.

Continuing to keep scouting in the family, Madura explained his grandfather was a member but unfortunately could not earn his Eagle badge because he could not swim.

His grandfather died just 16 days before Madura was born.

"I earned my Eagle badge in honor of my grandfather," Madura said.

"Being an Eagle Scout shows leadership skills, and will help you in the long run with a resume and getting a job," Madura said.

An Eagle Badge was given to Madura during the ceremony held Thursday, Nov. 8.