Jacob Michael “J. Michael” Shuping, age 17, will receive his Eagle Scout Award today at Wittenberg Lutheran Church in Granite Quarry. He will also receive his God and Life and be recognized as a God and Church Four Star Recipient. Shuping is the son of Kim and Jody Shuping of Granite Quarry.
Frank Merrell, Scoutmaster of Troop 379, will present the Eagle Award and the Four Star Recognition. Pastor Tom Cogan will present the God and Life Award.
Shuping began Scouting as a Tiger Cub in Pack 316 under Cubmaster Alice Overcash. He has received his Arrow of Light, Mile Swim Recognition in 2005 and 2006, and the Scouting Achievement Award in 2005. Shuping has served various positions in his troop, including Senior Patrol Leader and has earned 30 merit badges. In June 2007, he attended Philmont Scout Reservation in Cimarron, N.M., earning his 50 Miler Award.
Shuping’s Eagle Project was to landscape the flag circle and parking area in front of Granite Quarry Elementary School. Special thanks to Mr. Godley for his assistance with the landscape design, selection of plants, and donation. Additional thanks to Ken Miller, Troop 379, family, friends, and the children of Granite Quarry Elementary for their contributions and help. The Granite Elementary students utilized the gardens in plant study and learning proper planting techniques.
Shuping is a rising senior at East Rowan High School. He has been a scholar athlete in four sports, receiving Most Improved in two sports. He is a member of the Junior Civitans and was elected vice president for the National Honor Society for 2008-2009. Shuping is also in the Sigma Phi Gamma, serving as vice president from 2007 to 2009. He has been a member of the Future Farmers of America and the East Rowan Symphonic Band. Shuping has been recognized as an East Rowan Civitan Scholar for the past three years and served as a Junior Marshall for the 2008 graduates. He will attend the North Carolina Summer Venture Program for Math and Science this summer.
Shuping is a member of Wittenberg Lutheran Church, serving as crucifer and Bible bearer. He plays the organ, piano and trumpet for special services. He attended the National Youth Gathering in San Antonio in 2006.Shuping helps cook at oyster roasts for various fundraisers and is a blood donor. He has played the trumpet in the Salisbury Youth Symphony and the piano for special activities sponsored by the Salisbury Symphony and Granite Quarry Elementary.
Shuping’s Troop 379 is sponsored by the Granite Quarry Civitans.