Lafayette resident Reider Luke Martinsen, a member of Boy Scout Troop 237 chartered by the Orinda Community Church, earned the honor of Eagle Scout, the highest rank that the Boy Scouts offers. Only 6 percent of Boy Scout members ever attain this prestigious honor. To earn the rank of Eagle, a Scout must earn at least 21 badges and demonstrate leadership and community service by organizing and carrying out an Eagle project.
For his project, Martinsen chose to rehabilitate the greenhouse at Merriewood Children's Center where he once attended the after-school program. "It felt great to do something to help Merriewood because I have so many fun memories of my times there. It's neat to see the kids playing in the garden, and I'm glad they are able to use that greenhouse again." Reider earned his Eagle rank on Oct. 11; a ceremony honoring him will be held on Sunday, June 10. Martinsen is a senior at Acalanes High School, where he is a member of the men's varsity soccer team and the Symphonic Wind Ensemble. He also earned his Senior Medallion with the Music Teachers Association of California for dedicating 12 years to classical piano study. He will attend San Diego State University in the fall where he will major in molecular and cellular biology.