Council Awards

The Alumnus of the Year Award is Scouting’s Alumni Association’s highest council recognition. The award was established to recognize alumni of Scouting America who, over a sustained period of time, have used the skills and values they learned through their association with Scouting to make significant and long-lasting contributions to their local communities through their careers, avocations, and Scouting.

A Scouting alumnus includes anyone positively and personally impacted by Scouting—former Scouts, family members of Scouts past and present, community leaders, and the millions of Americans who benefit from Scouting in their communities every day.

The future of any organization is embodied in the value of its program and the contributions of its alumni over time. The acorn was selected to represent the Council Alumnus of the Year for many reasons including:

• Mighty oaks from little acorns grow.
• Scouts and Scouters plant seeds for trees under which they may never sit.
• The seed-planting analogy is applicable in many faiths and cultures.

Alumnus of the Year Honorees from Great Rivers Council

2024 – David Keller
2023 – Amanda Hayes
2022 – Dr. Alan Hillard

The award distinguishes persons who selflessly work to assist and protect others while at great risk to themselves.

Americanism Hero Honorees from Great Rivers Council

2024 – Rich Green
2024 – Benjamin Comer
2023 – Mike Chidster
2023 – Shawn Merrill

Scouting America, the Distinguished Citizen Award recognizes noteworthy and extraordinary leadership of citizens in communities across the United States. Honoring distinguished citizenship delivers a message to our youth that character counts. The lives of distinguished citizens put into place guideposts that serve to inspire our youth to lead, to accept responsibility, and to care about principles and causes beyond self-interest.

Distinguished Citizen Honorees from Great Rivers Council

2025 – Max Cook
2015 – Robert “Bob” Robuck

Conservation and Scouting America have been partners for a long time. Camping, hiking, and respect for the outdoors are a part of the Scouting heritage. Many of the requirements for advancement from Tenderfoot through the Eagle Scout rank call for an increasing awareness and understanding of the natural sciences. Many former Scouts have become leaders in conserving  our environment and protecting it from abuse. 

This award is by nomination only and is for an adult Scouter who has rendered distinguished and unusual service to natural resource conservation and environmental improvement over a sustained period. Nominations are accepted from any recognized conservation/environmental protection organization. The nominee’s accomplishments must be at a regional, national, or international level.

Distinguished Conservationist Award Honorees from Great Rivers Council

2024 – Brenda Potterfield
2014 – Glenn Chambers

The Distinguished Eagle Scout Award was established in 1969 to acknowledge Eagle Scouts who have received extraordinary national-level recognition, fame, or eminence within their field, and have a strong record of voluntary service to their community. 

The Distinguished Eagle Scout Award is the National Eagle Scout Association’s highest recognition. The Award was established to recognize Eagle Scouts who, after 25 years or longer of having received the Eagle Scout Award, have reached the highest national level of success in their field. In addition, these recipients have demonstrated a strong record of volunteer leadership service to their community.

Distinguished Eagle Scout Honorees from Great Rivers Council

2019 – Randy Coil
2014 – Don Walsworth
2014 – Gary Forsee
2011 – Governor Jay Nixon
2010 – Dr. Robert Doroghazi
2009 – Lt. Governor Peter Kinder
2008 – Dr. Ed Blaine
2008 – Dr. Hugh Jerry Murrell
2005 – Richard Mendenhall
2004 – George Taylor
2003 – Charles Kruse
1999 – Clyde G. Lear
1998 – David B. Keller
1996 – Honorable Stephen Limbaugh
1995 – William E. Backer
1994 – Donald B. Ruthenberg
1993 – Robert W. Maupin
1985 – Samual M. Walton
1982 – Robert L.D. “Larry” Davidson
1976 – Louis W. Shelburne
1972 – Robert N. Hunter

In the 100th Anniversary of the Eagle Scout Award, past Council President and Distinguished Eagle Scout Dr. Robert M. Doroghazi established and funded this Eagle Scout Award. The intent of this award is to recognize and reward Eagle Scouts for their hard work, thrift, and continued success as they enter adult life. Preference is given to those who will be tomorrow’s leaders in Business, Science, Finance, Engineering and the professions of Medicine & Law, and who have served in the Armed Forces. The award was sunsetted in 2023.

Doroghazi Eagle Scout Award Honorees from Great Rivers Council

2023 – Dallin Vorkink – BYU College of Life Sciences; Brendan Fish – 1st Lt United States Marine Corps Aviator
2022 – Captain Patrick Graf – studying Internal Medicine with US Army;  Albert Muenks – Biochemistry at University of Washington; Zachary Reger – Legislative Attorney for US House; Ethan Veit – Biomedical Science at Mount Sinai
2021 – Cody Alan Mueller – Mechanical Engineer at Thermavant Technologies; Zachary Reger – University of Chicago Law School
2020 – Kyle Gulshen – Cal Tech, Physics; Adam Schmitz – 2nd Lt, US Army; Nathan Thibon – Wash U. Law
2019 – Michael Doman – Stanford Law; Joseph Ege-Ag Econ; Trevor Muzzy-Pilot, USAF
2018 – Drew Greaves – UMKC, Law
2017 – Jordan Occena – PhD, MI; Andrew Turner – MIT, Physics; James Weagley – Wash. U, Genetics
2016 – Samuel Bergin – MD., USAF; Cole Pruitt – Film Producer, Physics; Kevyn Wiskirchen – Wildlife Biology
2015 – Zachary Brown – DDS, MD; Allen Cowherd – United States Marine Corps; Arthur Jago – PhD, Stanford
2014 – Matt Coudron – MIT, Comp. Sci.; Frank Foss – Capt., Bronze Star; Lucas Tucker – S&T, Engineer
2013 – Jacob Day – MD, Hopkins; Ian Faust-MIT, Engineer; Ryan Occena  Fulbright Scholar
2012 – Evan Cameron – MD, Army; Todd Gingrich – Rhodes Scholar; Andrew Reiff – Entrepreneur

The Duty to God Award was started to recognize adult individuals who have demonstrated an exemplary history of transformational leadership in supporting and promoting the spiritual foundation of Scouting. It acknowledges the unswerving dedication to faith, fellowship, and service of those whose character embodies the moral principles and shared ideals of Scouting America, Great Rivers Council. The award distinguishes persons who selflessly work to prepare youth for life by perpetuating the merit and legacy of a Scout’s duty to their Creator. Nominations are open to candidates from all faiths and religious groups chartered by Scouting America. 

Duty to God Honorees from Great Rivers Council

2024 – Kirk Boyer
2024 – Cynthia Gray
2023 – Chris Harper
2023 – Cliff Olsen
2022 – William Burton

The  National Eagle Scout Association established the Glenn A. and Melinda W. Adams National Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year Award (ESSPY) to recognize valuable service of an exceptional nature by an Eagle Scout candidate to a religious institution, school, community or other entity through completion of an Eagle Scout project.

Examples of projects that have been selected for the ESSPY include projects that benefited underprivileged children, recognized veterans, were international in nature, and have required significant time and resources. 

Selection of recipients begins at the local level and is conducted through the Council.

Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year Award Honorees from Great Rivers Council

2024 – Samantha Simkins, Troop 4475
2023 – Carlton Wexler, Troop 708
2022 – Andrew Dowden, Troop 6
2021 – Rusty Parrish, Troop 90

Presented to an individual who has made an impact and demonstrated leadership in the commitment to conservation management and education while impacting the lives of youth through service to Scouting America.

Ernest Thompson Seton Award Honorees

2024 – Richard Mendenhall
2023 – David Thorne
2022 – Kevin M. Lohraff
2021 – Brenda Potterfield
2019 – Les Wegener
2018 – Brian Flowers
2017 – Glenn D. Chambers
2016 – Jeffrey Cockerham
2015 – Hank Stelzer
2014 – Jim L. Smith
2013 – Robert N. Hunter

The North Star Award is a prestigious recognition for non-Scouting individuals who have made significant contributions to Scouting’s mission. It honors community leaders, supporters, and advocates whose service positively impacts youth and strengthens Scouting programs. Recipients exemplify Scouting values through their dedication and influence, fostering growth and sustainability. This distinguished award highlights their commitment to guiding and inspiring young people toward character, leadership, and service. 

North Star Award Honorees from Great Rivers Council

2024 – Brad Eiffert

The NESA Outstanding Eagle Scout Award (NOESA) is one of the highest honors bestowed upon Eagle Scouts. This prestigious recognition highlights Eagle Scouts who have demonstrated exceptional achievement and service at the local, state, or regional level.

Unlike the national Distinguished Eagle Scout Award, NOESA celebrates those whose lifetime of leadership, professional excellence, and volunteer service has made a significant impact closer to home. Honorees are recognized not only for their accomplishments but for the personal sacrifices they and their families have made in service to others.

Outstanding  Eagle Scout Award Recipients from Great Rivers Council

2025 – Max Cook

The Silver Antelope is the highest award that Region/Area can present to its volunteers.

The Silver Antelope Award is presented upon action of Scouting’s Executive Board for service to youth within the Territory or for outstanding longtime service to youth by a registered Scouter residing within that Territory.

Silver Antelope Award Honorees from Great Rivers Council

Kirk Boyer – 2024
Don Ruthenberg – 1995