Maryland man with Down syndrome becomes Eagle Scout

From WBAL-TV in Baltimore:

ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- A 41-year-old man with Down Syndrome has achieved the Boy Scout's highest rank.

Mathew McClain was honored over the weekend, becoming an Eagle Scout. For more than 23 years, he regularly attended Boy Scout meetings and earned more than the required 21 badges.

"I just want to thank my Scout master, and all of my friends," he said.

Scout master Jim Dunne said doctors did not think McClain would live for long.

"They asked the family not to take him home," Dunne said of McClain.

State Sen. John Astle was among those on hand as Troop 216, a special-needs troop in Anne Arundel County, honored its newest Eagle Scout.