Merrimack Teen Earns Eagle Scout Award

Merrimack teen Ryan Sullivan, a member of Boy Scout Troop 424, earned his Eagle Scout award on Wednesday, Aug. 15, after completing construction of a more than 50-foot bridge in Horse Hill Nature Preserve.

The Eagle Scout award is the highest distinction that can be achieved in Boy Scouting and an award that only 2 percent attain. In order to achieve this rank, a Scout must complete a service project.

Sullivan embarked on an effort to rally his community and build the bridge in 2011. He spent months mapping out a plan, recruiting volunteers and gathering materials – including a donation of used FairPoint telephone poles, a key component of the project.

Sullivan and a team of nearly 100 volunteers began building the bridge in his backyard before moving to HHNP to complete and install it.

On Wednesday, Sullivan was honored with his award and was presented with a distinctive plaque by Jeff Nevins, of FairPoint, at Our Lady of Mercy, 16 Baboosic Lake Road.

Watch: A video of the project was produced by Sullivan and FairPoint.

– Submitted by E.J. Powers

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