MADISON – Ian Traum of Madison, a member of Boy Scout Troop 201, has earned the honor of Eagle Scout, the highest rank that Boy Scouts offers.

The Eagle Scout rank dates to 1912. According to Boy Scouts of America, only four percent of eligible Scouts have earned the Eagle Scout rank by the time they are 18 years old.

Traum achieved his Eagle Scout rank on April 25, one month after his fourteenth birthday. He completed 21 required merit badges for the rank, along with 66 of 139 available badges.

For his Eagle Scout service project, Traum completed home renovations to help Friends, Inc. This non-profit, community outreach program offers multiple support services to seriously ill and disabled patients, enabling them to maintain their independence with no cost to the patient or family.

To complete the work, he organized fellow Scouts and other volunteers, who invested 97 hours during 18 days to plan, design, resource and complete renovations to improve accessibility, safety and functionality of the patient’s home. The home was outdated and difficult for the wheelchair-bound patient to access.

Traum directed the project and led his team to expand a doorway, install new safety handholds and slip-resistant modifications for shower usage and improve wheelchair-ramp access for a safer home.

A Court of Honor ceremony for Traum on July 24 was held at The Summit on Redstone Arsenal. Family, friends, Scout leaders from the greater Huntsville area and fellow Scouts attended and recognized his achievements.

During the ceremony, Scoutmaster Brett Boren commended Traum for learning and taking responsibility for himself and fellow Scouts that he leads. Boren also challenged Traum and all Scouts who attended to continue to lead throughout their lives and serve residents, using values and leadership skills learned on the journey to Eagle Scout.

During the ceremony, Traum thanked his parents, grandparents, Scoutmasters Ron Byrd and Boren, along with fellow Patrol Members. “I thank each one of you again for all your help and support in my endeavor to earn Eagle Scout,” Traum said. “I would not be here without all of you.”

Traum reminded the Scouts that “The Eagle Scout rank is not just a title . . . it’s a symbol that represents a Scout’s maturity and willingness to help others. It’s a large goal to achieve but, with perseverance and support, it’s a worthwhile goal.”

A home-school student, Traum will enter ninth grade this school year. His parents are Brady and Teresa Traum, who are Scout leaders of Troop 201. Ian is the grandson of Eagle Scout and Troop 201 Committee Chair Richard Hatch and Victoria Hatch. Richard Hatch is a U.S. Army veteran and member of American Legion, Post 229 in Madison.

Troop 201 is one of many youth organizations that Post 229 in Madison assists.

For youth between five and 17 years old who are interested in Scouting, visit beascout.scouting.org.