With Dad's Encouragement, Ridge Junior Earns Eagle Scout Award

Know a young person or group who has accomplished something special, achieved a milestone or who has gone out of their way to help someone else? Let us know, and they might be our next Patch Kid(s).

This week, we are recognizing Michael Ingling, a Ridge High School Junior who just last Tuesday was recognized by the Township Committee for earning the status of Eagle Scout, a crowning achievement for Boy Scouting that very few scouts ever reach. However, we also are mentioning Michael's father, Tim Ingling, who has been involved with his sons' scouting activities since being a Cubmaster for Cub Scouts. Happy Father's Day, Tim!

• Patch Kid of the Week: Michael Ingling, 17, Eagle Scout, Boy Scout Troop 351, Basking Ridge.
• Patch Kid's Major Activity: Michael coordinated 25 adults and other Scouts in a project to remove non-native plants and replace them with native foliage at the in Basking Ridge.
• Patch School/Church/Community Center: Boy Scout Troop 351, Ridge High School junior.

• Patch Kid's Accomplishment: Tim's Eagle Scout project on the property at the Environmental Education Center off Lord Stirling Road involved removing so-called invasive plant species such Japanese honeysuckle and multiflora rose within a 3,100 square-foot area. Working with other adult and Scout volunteers, he then replaced that foliage with perennials and shrubs native to the area. These were enclosed with a deer fence.

• Patch Kid's Key to Being Noteworthy:  Michael reached a level of scouting that very few boys who join troops as smaller children ever achieve. Becoming an Eagle Scout is a designation that receives lifelong recognition. Michael's years of scouting involved participation from his father, Timothy Ingling, and his mother, Linda Ingling. Tim Ingling said he has been involved in scouting through Michael since he was his son's Cubmaster. Timothy Ingling said he later became assistant Scoutmaster and now is Scoutmaster. His younger son Andrew, Michael's brother, also is involved with Boy Scouts, he said.