DeKALB – Steven Murphy recently became an Eagle Scout, the highest award presented by the Boy Scouts. He began scouting as a Cub in Pack 131, later becoming a Boy Scout in Troop 33.

Some of his Scouting trips in Wisconsin have included dog sled and snowmobile trips, plus the AirVenture air show in Oshkosh.

He traveled to Mississippi and Louisiana on two major mission trips following Hurricane Katrina. Both trips involved working at a distribution center and dining tent in Pass Christian, Miss., and doing animal rescue work in New Orleans, La.

He has also traveled to New York, Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard and Maine for scouting activities.

To achieve the Eagle Scout Award, a Scout must earn 21 merit badges, serve in leadership positions and complete a special Eagle service project, which involves planning, developing and providing leadership to benefit a school, church or community.

Steven’s Eagle Project involved building a new habitat for an African spurred tortoise at the Midwest Museum of Natural History in Sycamore. The tortoise had outgrown its original habitat and a larger habitat was crucial the animal’s health. The new habitat was double the size of the previous one, creating a healthier habitat for a rare animal and a great observation area for museum visitors.

Steven has provided years of leadership serving as instructor, patrol leader, assistant senior patrol leader and junior assistant scoutmaster. He has earned 25 badges and is a senior at DeKalb High School.

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