Rudolph achieves Eagle Scout status

West Milford n Erik C. Rudolph received some high accolades from the West Milford Board of Education and his high school principal Tuesday night, as he accepted awards for achieving his Eagle Scout status, the highest rank in the Boy Scout organization. Rudolph, a senior at West Milford High School, received a plaque from Dr. Michelle Fenwick, president of the board of education, and a certificate from his high school principal, Maureen Bernstock. “We are all very proud of you,” said Fenwick. To earn the Eagle Scout ranking, a Boy Scout must fulfill requirements in several areas, including leadership, service, and outdoor skills. He must pass specific tests and earn merit badges. In addition, the candidate must lead a community project. In Rudolph’s case, he chose to paint over 50 fire hydrants in his area of town, Old Milford and Camelot. He sanded, primed, and painted 53 fire hydrants for his project and supervised those who helped with the project. Only about 5 percent of scouts reach the Eagle Scout level. Rudolph said it took five years for him to rise through the levels of scouting, achieving seven ranks and earning 21 merit badges along the way. Rudolph’s very proud parents are Raymond and Pat Rudolph.