Earlier this month Matthew Kufner-Rodriguez became Wayne's newest Eagle Scout.
Following questioning by a group of scouting officials, Matthew was awarded the designation.
Matthew has enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and left for training on May 29. He will train at St. Antonio, Texas. He has enlisted for six years and plans to work on bomber refuelers and other airplanes as assigned.
His decision to enlist was influenced by his desire to work with his hands in a mechanical sense as well as from stories his grandfather told him of his time in the Air Force. Matthew comes from a long line of men, on his father's side, who have served in the military.
Matthew was first a Cub Scout with the troop and then moved into Boy Scouts in fifth grade. As a scout, he has earned 36 Merit Badges.
His Eagle Scout project involved building a metal file folder holder at Wayne Community Schools. This will help clear the room up a bit for students to have more room.
"In my years of scouting, I have found many interests that have helped mold me into the young man I am today. For example the technology, welding, and bugling merit badges allowed me to view those areas as something I could pursue. In the area of technology, it took me towards my path that I want to pursue in the Air Force as an airplane mechanic. Within the area of welding, helped me to apply this to completing my Eagle scout project. I got to meet an amazing adult in that area and he has been instrumental in helping me complete my project as well as become a support system," Matthew said.
Matthew graduated on May 13 from Wayne High School with honors as he was part of the National Honor Society. He was also a drum major his senior year in high school, involved with the Power Drive all four years of high school, and in various sports such as wresting, golf, and other extra curricular activities such as speech.
"Scouting has been a major stepping stone to prepare me for my Air Force career," Matthew said.
Matthew has traveled internationally outside of the United States and hopes to continue to do so as he embarks to the Air Force.
