Karl Gerdes was presented with his Eagle Scout rank at a ceremony conducted at Community Presbyterian Church on Sunday, Aug. 29.

Gerdes is a member of Pinehurst BSA Troop No. 7. He received a Good Citizenship Award from the Marine Corps League and a certificate of congratulations from the Senate of the North Carolina General Assembly presented by Sen. Harris Blake, Senate District 22.

Gerdes began his trail to Eagle as a Tiger Cub in the fall of 2000 as a first-grader. He joined Pack No. 51 in Fort Benning, Ga., and later earned his Arrow of Light as a member of Pack No. 252 in Key West, Fla. Gerdes joined Troop No. 578 in the fall of 2004. He attained the rank of First Class Scout before moving to Pinehurst and joining Troop No. 7 in August 2006. Gerdes had the privilege of attending the Boy Scout Jamboree at Fort A.P. Hill, Va., this summer during the 100th anniversary of Scouting in America.

For his Eagle project, Gerdes built and installed six bat houses at the Pinehurst Harness Track. The boxes will provide a place for bats to roost and hibernate. This will keep them out of barns, homes and outbuildings. Bats are essential for the environment and have many benefits. They can spread seeds, pollinate flowers and help to naturally control the mosquito population.

Gerdes has earned 38 merit badges and has held several leadership positions. He is currently a junior at Pinecrest High School. He is a member of the National Honor Society and the French Club. He is active in his youth group and enjoys scuba diving. He is the son of Ian and Linda Gerdes, of Pinehurst.