Joshua Michael Hanekamp, 18, has earned the highest advancement award the Boy Scouts of America offers to Scouts, the Eagle Scout Award.

Joshua Hanekamp will be recognized at his Eagle Scout ceremony on January 30.                                    Special photo

  Hanekamp will be recognized in ceremonies at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints building located at 25 Mosely Road in Stockbridge on Wednesday, January 30 at 7:30 p.m.

  A member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Troop 291, Hanekamp is one of approximately 4 percent of all Boy Scouts who attain the Eagle Rank, according to Scoutmaster Rob Hockett.

  Each candidate must earn 21 merit badges and successfully complete a community, church, or synagogue related service project to earn his Eagle; Hanekamp chose to build picnic tables for the LDS church outdoor fire area.

  He has served in various scouting leadership roles and has been a prominent leader for many years in the troop. Hanekamp joins other outstanding American citizens who have become Eagle Scouts, among them former President Gerald R. Ford, Jr., astronaut Neil A. Armstrong, cinematographer Steven Spielberg, and FBI head William Sessions.

  Hanekamp is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was captain of Woodland High School's wrestling team, a member of both the cross country team and Partners Club at WHS. He graduated in May 2012.

  He is the son of Dan and Tammy Hanekamp of McDonough.