After nine years as a scout, Matthew Hlady, of Marion's Troop 32, has been awarded the rank of Eagle Scout. Fewer than four out of every 100 scouts achieve Eagle.

As a Boy Scout, he earned 41 merit badges and attended Camp Cachelot three times. Matthew has served as Troop 32's Senior Patrol Leader for two years.  In that role, he mentors younger scouts and assists his new Scoutmaster, Douglas Breault.

For his Eagle public service project, Matthew coordinated Cubs and Boy Scouts in his troop to improve the Brainard Marsh Wildlife Refuge on Delano Road in Marion.  The project was a joint venture with the Sippican Lands Trust.  In order to obtain necessary permits, Matthew presented the plan at a public meeting of the Marion Planning Board.  The work included clearing and rebuilding a public path with approved weed-control and grading materials.  The path leads to a beach on the Weweantic estuary, from which seals can be seen sunning on the rocks.

Matthew maintains high honors at Tabor Academy, where he also plays in the wind ensemble, jazz band and performs in musicals. Matthew participates in the youth group at Unitarian Universalist Church in Fairhaven, and has his black belt in Ken-Po karate through Bridgewater Martial Arts.