Will Denning Earns Eagle Scout Rank

SMITHFIELD – Will Denning recently received his Eagle Scout Award, as well as the Bronze and Gold Eagle Palms, from the Boy Scouts of America. He is the son of Bob and Michelle Denning of Smithfield. Will’s Eagle project was comprised of constructing and installing shelving for the Food Pantry at Centenary United Methodist Church in Smithfield.

During the Court of Honor Eagle Scout ceremony on August 2, 2025, he was presented with the North Carolina flag flown over the North Carolina General Assembly by Senator Benton Sawrey and Representative Larry Strickland. Will also received the Marine Corps League Good Citizenship Award and the Masonic Eagle Scout Recognition. Additional special recognitions were provided by Mayor Andy Moore and the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution.

Will joined Scouts as a Tiger Cub at the age of six. After earning the Arrow of Light and completing Cub Scouts, he continued as an active Boy Scout with Troop 77 located in Smithfield. During his time with Troop 77, he served as a Patrol Leader, Outdoor Ethics Guide, and Troop Guide, and was an active participant in the troop’s service projects and fundraisers.

Through Scouting, Will earned the World Conservation Award, the Historic Trails Award, and the 50-Miler Award. His highlight and most transformative experience in Scouting was completing a 65-mile hike at Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico, an experience he will never forget. Will is a member of the Nayawin Bar Lodge Order of the Arrow, Scouting’s Honor Society.

Will completed his Sophomore year at Neuse Charter School in Smithfield, where he was a member of the National Honor Society, a HOBY Youth Leadership Ambassador, and Scholar Athlete playing soccer, basketball, and baseball. He recently began his Junior year of high school at the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics in Durham.