Erick Sherman, a De Soto Boy Scout, was presented an Ad Altare Dei medal by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann during an April 25 Mass. Sherman earned the medal, which is presented only to Catholic Scouts, by attending a program based on the seven sacraments.

Sherman is the son of Jim and Suzie Sherman, De Soto. His grandfather, the late Bob Ross, was a former leader and Scout master for Troop 54 in De Soto.

Several members of Troop 53 joined with Scouts from Pelathe District for the Good Turn Project on May 8. The boys planted, watered and mulched trees along the Burroughs Rail Trail from 11th to 13th streets. Scouts participating were Devin Van Schmus, Anthony Van Schmus, Matt Mitchell, Matthew Pribbenow, Josh Kallenbach, Ethan Kallenberger, Gabe Magee, Dylan Edwinson, Ross Chumbley, Tyler MacMurray, Matthew Siler, Sean Morris, Brian Morris, Connor Ballenger, Ivan Davidson and Andrei Elliott.

On April 30, members of Eudora Boy Scout Troop 64 traveled to Manhattan and camped overnight at Tuttle Creek before attending the K-State Merit Badge Conference on May 1. Scouts attending were Connor Bradley, Nathan Bradley, Nathan Gentleman, Patrick Bradley, Steven Wimmer, Dakota Coble and Simon Elwell. They were accompanied by adult Scouters Jim Morrison, John Scott, Amye Scott, Damon Bradley, Jerry Criqui, Rodney Coble, Duane Gentleman and Ann Wimmer.

On May 8, the troop participated in the Burroughs Creek Rail Trail community service project in Lawrence, helping plant more than 300 trees and shrubs along the new hiking-biking trail. Scouts and Scouters participating were Connor Bradley, Patrick Bradley, Nathan Bradley, Dakota Coble and Steven Wimmer. Adults were Glenn Jackson, Damon Bradley, Karen Lewis, Roy Wimmer, Jerry Criqui, Rodney Coble, Kristen Coble, Brian Rome, Roy Lytle and John Scott. Pack 3064 Cubmaster Tim Middleton with Cub Scouts Nathan Criqui, Logan LaBelle and Ronnie Middleton, and Girl Scout Desha Middleton also helped. The troop is chartered to the Eudora Lions Club and meets at 7 p.m. Mondays at the Nottingham Community Center.

Jonathan Gabler, 18, a member of Troop 59, achieved the rank of Eagle Scout on Dec. 21, 2009. Gabler along with fellow Eagle Scouts Henry Chapman, Derek Kappelman and Ryan Marienau celebrated with family and friends at an Eagle Court of Honor ceremony and reception on April 11 at First Presbyterian Church.

Gabler began his scouting career in 1999 with Cub Scout Pack 3059 in Lawrence. He earned Tiger, Bobcat, Wolf, Bear and Webelos badges along with his Arrow of Light, Cub Scout’s highest award, in February 2003.

He joined Troop 59 in Lawrence in 2003, and earned Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star and Life badges. His awards include: World Conservation, God and Country, 100 miler, Triple Crown, Order of the Arrow Brotherhood, and Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say.

Gabler has earned 26 merit badges while working toward his Eagle Award. He has served as scribe, patrol leader, troop guide, quartermaster and crew leader. He hiked Isle Royale at Lake Superior and attended the Northern Tier (Charles Sommers) National Canoe base, Florida Sea Base, Green River Canoe adventure and Double H backpacking.

For his Eagle service project, Gabler designed and constructed a trail 0.6 of a mile long at the Kansas University Field Station and Ecological Reserves Headquarters. He is a member of the Lawrence High School drumline, a member of the National Honor Society and the National Art Honor Society, and has lettered in cross country, swimming and track.

Gabler, the son of Paul and Peggy Gabler, will graduate from Lawrence High School this month, and study engineering at KU in the fall.

Ryan Marienau, 18, a member of Troop 59, achieved the rank of Eagle Scout on Oct. 19, 2009. Marienau received his Eagle award in a ceremony and reception at First Presbyterian Church on April 11 along with his close friends and fellow Eagle Scouts Jonathan Gabler, Henry Chapman and Derek Kappelman.

Marienau began his scouting career in Cub Scout Pack 3059 in Lawrence. He earned Bobcat, Wolf, Bear and Webelos badges. He also earned Cub Scout’s highest award, the Arrow of Light, in February 2003, and the God and Country religious award through Trinity Lutheran Church.

Marienau, joined Troop 59 in 2003. Leadership roles included patrol leader, scribe, quartermaster, two one-year roles as troop guide and crew leader on Florida Seabase High Adventure. His awards include: World Conservation, Ordeal and Brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow, Tribe of Mic-O-Say- Foxman, Brave and Warrior. While working toward his Eagle Award, Marienau earned 28 merit badges and twice earned the mile swim patch. In camping and high adventures, he attended six 10-day sessions at H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation, canoed both the Niangua River and Green River, hiked the Wichita Mountains in Oklahoma with Troop 55, backpacked on Isle Royale at Lake Superior and attended Florida Seabase high adventure.

For his Eagle service project, Marienau designed and constructed a half-mile nature trail with two benches in DeVictor Park in Lawrence. Marienau will graduate this month from Lawrence High School, where he was a member of the National Honor Society, and an active member in the Marching Lions playing the snare drum and percussion with the Symphonic Band and orchestra. He also played varsity soccer and track.

Marienau, the son of Tony and Laurie Marienau of Lawrence, will attend Kansas University and study mechanical engineering.