Local scout leader earns high recognition at annual council banquet

By: Toni Walker

Editor

news@steelcountrybee.com

A local scout leader, with 50 years of experience in scouting, has been recognized for numerous honors from the Northeast Texas, Southwest Oklahoma (NeTseO) Trails Council. Chris Smith, who currently serves as the Assistant Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 220 in Daingerfield, received the honors at the council’s recent dinner, held on April 29.

The evening began with a reunion of all those leaders who participated in Wood Badge in the last year, and included the ceremony where those who have completed their requirements received their official beads and neckerchief. Smith served as Scoutmaster for this leadership training class.

Troop 220 Scoutmaster Tim Ridenour presented one of the first awards following the evening’s dinner, which was “The Unit Leader Award of Merit.” In an excerpt from the evening’s program, “”Quality unit leadership is the key to a quality unit program-and it leads to better Scout retention.” For this reason, The Boy Scouts of America created the Unit Leader Award of Merit to recognize quality unit leaders.

In a letter to the council from Troop 220 Senior Patrol Leader Noah Childress, he states “To Whom It May Concern at NeTseO Trails Council, Chris, for us, is the embodiment of the scouting [program! His character is embedded in the Scout Oath…he has kept his honor. He has and continues to do his best duty for the troop. He keeps God at the forefront of all he does…even bringing scouting values in sermons at his local church. He upholds the scout law…not just as lofty words to recite at troop meetings, but as values, as a belief system to which he is loyal and holds the boys of the troop to…”A scout is…” That is what we have come to know as…an example, a mentor, and in the highest degree of honor and respect-a scout.”

Eagle Scout is the highest honor a Boy Scout can achieve, and is an achievement that Smith earned in 1973 as a third generation Eagle Scout. Each year, the NeTseO Trails Council dedicate the previous year’s Eagle Scout class to a former Eagle Scout. This year’s honor went to Smith, saying that Smith “leaving a legacy for the next generation to follow.” There were 21 members of the 2015 Eagle Scout Class.

The final award that Smith received on the evening was the Whitney M. Young, Jr., Service Award. The purpose of this award is to recognize outstanding services by an adult individual or organization for demonstrating involvement in the development and implementation of Scouting opportunities for rural or low-income, urban backgrounds.

Smith is a Vigil member of the Order of the Arrow, an Eagle Scout, and Silver Beaver recipient, as well. He also owns a global business in Lone Star, is married, and very active in his church and supporting his community.