Jayce Merrill, grandson of Ron and Kris Dryer and a member of Boy Scout Troop 4106 of Kewanee, was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout by Scoutmaster Steve Herrick on Sept. 8. The honor followed the successful completion of a board of review in July.
For his Eagle Scout project, Merrill built and installed a Little Free Pantry at the First Congregational Church. The pantry is actively used by local residents and serves as a valuable community resource.
Merrill began his scouting journey in 2014 as a first grader when he joined Cub Scouts. Over the years, he participated in numerous activities, including the Pinewood Derby, where he earned a third-place finish.
In 2019, he transitioned from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts and worked diligently to earn a total of 30 merit badges. He took part in various scouting experiences such as campouts and summer camps and accumulated service hours by volunteering at the Kewanee Food Pantry and the First Congregational Church.
His scouting activities have included fishing, camping, summer camps, ice skating, snow tubing, rock climbing and shooting (both bow and rifle). Merrill also held three leadership positions during his time in scouting: scribe, assistant patrol leader and senior patrol leader.
He is the second grandson of the Dryers to achieve the prestigious Eagle Scout rank. Joshua Larabee earned the honor in 2021.
