Newport’s Matthew Hennig rises to Eagle Scout rank

NEWPORT — Matthew R. Hennig received his Eagle badge at a Court pf Honor on May 12 at Parlin Field Airport.

Eagle is the highest rank a scout can receive from the Boy Scouts of America.

The last Eagle scouts from Troop 316 were Patrick Hennig (June 2015), Jeremy Dewey (March 2017) and Jacob Merritt (January 2018).

Matthew completed his Eagle project working with management at Parlin Field Airport for the installation of a safety/information sign on the boundary between Corbin Park and the airfield.

The project was named “The Parlin Field Safety/Information Sign,” and encompassed many hours of work done in coordination with local assistance, the community and Newport town officials over several months.

The project was something the town had planned on doing for several years.

Matthew is a senior at Newport Middle and High School and will be attending college in Florida next fall.

The ceremony was attended by Rob and Liz Hennig, Matthew’s parents, Coleen his sister who will graduate from the College of Mount Saint Vincent on May 19 and his brother Patrick who is going to be a senior at Plymouth State College next year.

At Saturday’s ceremony Troop 316 Committee Chairman Chad Howe welcomed the gathering seated in a hanger. Eagle Scouts present and guests were introduced and Jean Duval, Sunapee District Representative, read “100 Scouts.”

Matthew Hennig presented his Eagle project summary. The pinning ceremony included the Scoutmaster and Matt’s Parents. “It’s Only a Pin,” was recited by Tom Carlton, Scout District Executive.

The guest speaker and presentation was made by New Hampshire State Senator Ruth Ward. Leo Paquin, American Legion District 6 Commander gave the Benediction.

“Scouting has been a huge part of my life,” Hennig said. “Through scouting everyone is closer to helping out others. I always knew I wanted to be an Eagle Scout

“I have to help everybody, especially those who helped me be here…my parents.”