Marking more than a decade as a Boy Scout, a Parsippany teen has reached the ultimate rank of scouting. On Jan. 6, Michael P. Ludwig was presented with his Eagle Scout rank award at the Troop 173 Court of Honor ceremony held in the Monsignor Martin McDonnell Hall at St. Ann Church.

A junior at Parsippany High School, Ludwig earned the organization's highest rank by creating and implementing the infrastructure needed to provide Internet access to un-wired sections of St. Ann's parish. He also demonstrated leadership abilities: The teen led a group of 19 volunteers that logged a total of 173 community service hours to complete the task.  

Ludwig is no novice to the ways of scouting: He joined the Cub Scout Pack 177 as a Tiger Cub in 2002, subsequently earning an Arrow of Light Award in February 2007. He moved to Boy Scout Troop 173, through which he participated in several campouts, advanced his rank and earned 39 merit badges. 

During his scouting career, the young man has served in a number of leadership positions, including patrol leader, assistant senior patrol leader and senior patrol leader.  

Ludwig said he is not leaving the BSA; he will remain active in scouting and, following the footsteps of his older brothers Thomas and Andrew, has a goal of earning Eagle palms. 

His high school career is aloft as well: Ludwig has a grade point average of 3.6 GPA to show for his rigorous academic schedule of honors and advanced placement classes. More than a scholar, the teen also takes part in Rutgers Model Congress and the High's cross country, winter track and spring track teams.  

He also is an active member of the Parish of St. Ann who volunteers as a lector and as a senior leader/advisor with the St. Ann Youth Council. 

 Ludwig said he plans to attend college and ultimately to pursue a career as a certified public accountant.