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Son of Al and Julia Rohde, Stuart achieved the highest Boy Scout ranking on May 15 and will be recognized July 22, at the Nativity Lutheran Church at 2 p.m.

To accomplish Eagle Scout, he earned all 27 merit badges, completed service hour requirements, fulfilled camping/outdoor skills and conducted an Eagle project during his eight years with the troop.

For his project, Rohde was required to lead an endeavor in which he couldn't do himself, but had to dictate funding, supplies and workers. Rohde organized a system to enable recreationists along the Bad River near St. Charles and in the Michigan State Game Area to identify their location in the event of an emergency. Thirteen signs now identify the bends, turns and landmarks of the area-aiding boaters, fishermen, hunters and snowmobilers in navigation.

Working with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and local businessmen, his project designed, constructed, and placed the handmade reflective placards.

"I spent a lot of time on the river hunting and fishing," said Rohde, "I was trying to think of a project that was unique...It took me a while, but I decided to do something no one else has done before and put up markers around the river."

A scout since the fourth grade, he has led the troop as a Patrol Leader, Chaplain's Aide, Quartermaster, Senior Patrol Leader and Junior Assistant Scoutmaster.

"What makes him standout is that he is very outgoing. He's an all-around good kid," said Scoutmaster Laurence LaBelle, who has worked with the troop for 12 years.

Rohde graduated from St. Charles this year, where he was involved in the Drama Club, Band, Ecology Club, and Spanish Club. He plans to study medicine at Michigan State University this fall.

"[Boy Scouts is] a leadership program to teach them how to be leaders in their community, and not necessarily a police chief or mayor, just someone to look up to," said LaBelle.

Troop 305 meets Wednesdays at 7 p.m. at Nativity Lutheran Church. Any boy between the ages of ten and eighteen who wishes to join can call Laurence LaBelle at 989-865-8147.