Stephen Koenig, 19, attained Eagle Scout rank— the highest in the Boy Scouts —last Saturday during a ceremony at the St. Mark’s VFW Post. The Dorchester teen, who is presently a senior at John D. O’Bryant High, has been involved in scouting since his days as a Tiger Cub with St. Mark’s Troop 40.

On hand for the ceremony were members of his family and Fr. Dan Finn, the pastor at St. Mark’s, who gave the benediction, along with Fr. John McLaughlin. Scoutmaster Bob Brailey was there to officiate. It was Brailey’s 20th Eagle Scout ceremony, according to Koenig’s mom, Palma McLaughlin Koenig.

“Scouting affects a lot of areas of your life,” she explained. “It gives you a sense of belonging, but also a sense of being an individual in a group.”

Stephen earned his Eagle Scout rank by leading a project to beautify the courtyard at St. Mark’s parish.