The project is part of his attempt to make Eagle Scout.

MECHANIC FALLS – Stephen Goss, a 14-year-old Boy Scout, is raising funds to build a dugout for the softball field behind Elm Street School, where he is in the eighth grade. The project is part of his attempt to make Eagle Scout, a level reached by just 2 percent of all Boy Scouts. Goss, son of Walter and Sharon Goss, said materials for the dugout will cost $500 to $700.

As a member of Troop 139 in Minot, his efforts to become an Eagle Scout recently attracted the attention of the Tri-Town Optimist Club of Mechanic Falls, which named him Student of the Month.

Some 25 citizens from Mechanic Falls, Poland and Minot came together to start the club, which is affiliated with Optimist International, one of the world’s largest and most active service organizations. The club works on projects to benefit area youth and the community.

For information about meeting times and membership, call the club’s president, Vicki Dean, at 345-9150.