WINTHROP — Jacob C. Rioux, 17, of Winthrop, has earned the highest advancement award the Boy Scouts of America has to offer, the Eagle Scout Award.

Rioux was recognized in ceremonies at the Winthrop Town Hall recently. A member of Troop 604, chartered by Alfred W. Maxwell Jr. Post 40, American Legion, Rioux is one of approximately 2 percent of all Boy Scouts who attain the Eagle rank, according to Scoutmaster Randy Hooper.

Each candidate must earn 21 merit badges and successfully complete a community service project to earn his Eagle. The Eagle Scout Service Project is the opportunity for a Boy Scout to demonstrate leadership of others while performing a project for the benefit of his community.

Rioux chose to install six new benches at Clough Field in Winthrop, a project that benefited the school and the local YMCA and its associated recreation programs. Two of the benches replaced ones that were in need of repair and the other four provide needed spectator seating.

Rioux has served as an assistant patrol leader, patrol leader, quartermaster and instructor while an active member of the troop. He received admission into the Order of the Arrow, Madockawanda Lodge 271. Rioux participated in numerous camping trips, food and bottle drives, parades, flag ceremonies and the Counsellor-in-Training program at Camp Hinds.

He is a senior at Winthrop High School where he has been active in Latin Club, video production, basketball and track. He is the son of Lori and Jack Rioux of Winthrop.