Oxford High School junior Seth Palmer earned his Boy Scout Eagle Award and Silver Palm.

The Eagle Scout is the highest rank in Boy Scouts awarded to about six percent of all eligible scouts. In addition to the leadership and rank advancements, an Eagle Scout must earn a minimum of 21 merit badges. Palmer earned 36 merit badges, 15 over the required amount, thus earning the Silver Palm.

Palmer built 25 bird nest boxes for Oakland County Parks. Oakland County uses the bird nest boxes for

research to “benefit the preservation of natural habitat at its parks.”

“I’m so grateful for all of the support from parents, scout masters and troop members that have helped me along the way. I’m also thankful for all the opportunities, friends and great memories that have come from scouting,” Palmer said at his court of honor ceremony.

Palmer has been active in Boys Scouts for over 10 years and also earned Cub Scout’s highest award — The Arrow of Light, was inducted in to Boy Scouts’ National Honor Society—the Order of the Arrow, and earned his faith’s religious emblem—On My Honor Award.

Boy Scouts has provided many leadership and service opportunities that have help shaped his life. Palmer has helped run and been involved in many Boy Scout events in his community and beyond, fixing trails, making bike racks, installing seats at Spartan Stadium, assisting with US flag retirement ceremonies, and volunteering in soup kitchens.

Palmer strives to excel in all his activities and loves to learn. He enjoys playing the cello, is principal cellist for the Oxford High School Symphony Orchestra, a high honors student, plays JV soccer for Oxford High School, and Premier Club Soccer for Nationals Select Lapeer, is active in NHS and HOSA and participates in his church youth group.

Palmer plans on pursuing a degree in Biomedical Engineering and going to Med School. He is grateful for the leadership, service and time management skills that he has learned through Boy Scouts that will help him throughout his life.

As a special surprise at his Eagle Court of Honor, Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin, U.S. Representative from Michigan’s 8th congressional district, sent a staff member to read a congratulatory letter. Also, an elderly member of Palmer’s religious congregation and avid scouter carved him a massive 2 foot eagle sculpture to commemorate his award.