BIDDEFORD — Mission accomplished for Yuriy Reiter.

On a Scouting journey since the age of 7, Reiter, now 18 and a graduating senior at Biddeford High School, was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout, the Boys Scout’s highest rank, during a Court of Honor ceremony at Motorland in Arundel earlier this month.

“My dad used to be Scout and told me about what they did,” Reiter said. “The most challenging part of being a Scout for me was working on my citizenship badge and working on community, nation and world parts of it simultaneously. It’s a lot of preparation and learning and continues even after you’ve earned the badge.”

He said he’d like to become an auto mechanic someday and found that developing leadership skills is the most important aspect of Scouting to him.

In receiving the Eagle Scout distinction, Reiter joins an elite group of Scouts so honored. Since its creation 108 years ago, only 4 percent of Scouts have ever earned the Eagle Scout rank, which requires earning a minimum of 21 merit badges and conceiving and leading an extensive service project in the community.

Reiter’s project was of benefit to the Biddeford’s Storm Water drainage services. The project’s goal was to build public awareness of two endangered and threatened species of turtles that call Thatcher Brook Watershed their home, the Spotted and Blandings turtles.

He said that water that flows from storm drains in the Industrial Park flow into this watershed and any pesticides and other hazardous chemicals that are dumped into these drains directly or as water flowing from nearby lawns or parking lots can harm them. To raise public awareness of the problem, Reiter led four teams of Scouts and adults as they stenciled 27 storm drains in the Biddeford Industrial Park to remind local businesses and residents of the presence of these turtles.

Throughout his Scouting experience, Reiter accepted increasing responsibility and leadership roles in Troop 308 in Biddeford. During his time with the Troop he served as Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Historian Patrol Leader and was President of the Venture Crew.

He earned a total of 24 Merit Badges including Automotive Maintenance; Camping; Citizenship in the Community; Citizenship in the Nation; Citizenship in the World; Communications; Composite Materials; Cooking; Cycling; Emergency Preparedness; Environmental Science; Family Life; First Aid; Kayaking; Leatherwork; Motorboating; Personal Fitness; Personal Management; Photography; Rifle Shooting; Shotgun Shooting; Small-Boat Sailing; Snow Sports; and Welding.

Reiter drew special recognition such as the 2016 Summer Camp Sharp Shooter Award; and the Honor Camper Award at Summer and Winter Camp. He completed the Fly First Class program, was elected into Order of the Arrow, attended a Camporee at West Point, participated in National Youth Leadership Training, and attended the Sea Base program in Key West.

He is the son of Nancy Drapeau and Steven Reiter of Biddeford.

— Executive Editor Ed Pierce can be reached at 282-1535 or by email at editor@journaltribune.com

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