Alex Gooch, who will be a senior at Marquette Senior High School this fall, has earned the rank of Eagle Scout. With him is his scoutmaster, Al Feldhauser. (Photo courtesy of Barb Gooch)

MARQUETTE — Alex Gooch, who will be a senior at Marquette Senior High School this fall, on Monday was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout.

Gooch, 17, is a member of Troop 309, chartered by Messiah Lutheran Church in Marquette, with Al Feldhauser as Scoutmaster.

He has been a Scout since first grade, having joined the organization for the same reason many other youngsters joined a group — their friends were members, and in Gooch’s case, his older brother, Ryan, also was involved.

Gooch earned 21 merit badges, including 10 that were required for the Eagle rank, to earn the high honor. He also had to perform a service project that helped the community.

For his project, Gooch helped created a bike ramp for the Tahquamenon Trail Network.

“It’s still in good condition,” Gooch said. “It’s being used.”

For him, the best part of becoming an Eagle Scout was simply the general experience of being a Scout.

“Just getting there — the journey,” he said.

His favorite badge involved a certain water sport.

“I love kayaking,” Gooch said.

According to the Boy Scouts of America, becoming an Eagle Scout is a notable hallmark.

“Since 1912, the Eagle Scout rank has represented a milestone of accomplishment — perhaps without equal — that is recognized across the country and even the world,” the organization said on its website at scouting.org. “Those who have earned the Eagle Scout rank count it among their most treasured achievements. ‘Eagle Scout’ is not just an award; it is a state of being. Those who earned it as youth continue to earn it every day as adults. That is why an Eagle Scout IS an Eagle Scout — not was.”

Being an Eagle Scout undoubtedly will guide his way through life.

“I’ve learned a lot, not just physical skills but mental skills like just being prepared,” Good said. “It’s helped me grow as a person, for sure, and just being able to use that going forward.”

As well as being named an Eagle Scout, Gooch also was a member of the MSHS swimming and tennis teams, and works at Border Grill.

Understandably, his parents are proud of him.

“Alex has worked hard to reach this goal since he first joined Cub Scouts in first grade,” Andrew and Barb Gooch said in an email. “Since only 2 percent of boys who join Scouts reach the rank of Eagle, it is a huge accomplishment, and we couldn’t be more proud of him.”

Christie Mastric can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 250. Her email address is cbleck@miningjournal.net