The Piedmont Scout Council had its 100th Annual Recognition Event last Thursday, March 25. This annual tradition recognizes volunteers that make the Piedmont Scouting program possible. Among the award recipients, was Sue Smegal, who received the highest honor of the evening, the Silver Beaver Award. This award is presented to one person per year and recognizes a volunteer who has made an impact on the lives of youth through outstanding and noteworthy service at the council level. For many years, her service on the Piedmont Council’s Executive Board, Advisory Board, and her continuing service on the Eagle Board of Review has upheld the Council’s mission to support youth and families throughout the community. Sue’s son, Tom Smegal Jr., presented Sue with the award (pictured above).
The District Award of Merit recognizes Scouters who render service of an outstanding nature at the district level. Nominees must be registered Scouters, and have rendered noteworthy service to youth in Scouting, outside Scouting, or both. Consideration must be given to the nominee’s Scouting positions, and the corresponding opportunity to render outstanding service beyond expectations. The first recipient started in Cub Scouting with his boys, serving as a den leader, and Webelos leader. Following that, he served as assistant scoutmaster and Scoutmaster for troop 6. He served as the Duty to God counselor for several years. His Snow-Camping Weekends and Polar Bear Challenges are legendary in troop 6, and that carried over to the whole district with his leadership of multiple Camporees. He has mentored 27 youth through the rank of Eagle Scout during his tenure, sharing his leadership and engineering expertise with them and our greater community. For rendering outstanding service to youth in and around Piedmont, we are pleased to recognize Bill Bruin (below far left).
Bill Bruin, recipient of District Award of Merit 2021, with his son 
Katy Kobal, recipient of district Award of Merit 2021 
Recipient of President’s Award David Ashton with hikers
The second recipient also got her start in Cub Scouts, working behind the scenes on the Pack 5 committee for nine years. As her family transitioned to Troop 11, our honoree took a lead role in the troop helping young Scouts on their Trail to First Class. This has been particularly challenging during the pandemic, and her care has made a huge difference. She has also supported the inclusion of girls in troop 11, regularly participating in troop outings and ensuring that the girls feel welcome. Our honoree has also served capably on the council board and has devoted a tremendous amount of time and energy to the Scouting for Food campaign. Most recently in the very challenging 2020 pandemic year she increased cash donations well above goal, helping local hunger relief. For rendering outstanding service to youth in and outside of Scouting, the Scouts are pleased to recognize Katy Kobal (above center).
First established in 1991, and now in its 30th year, the President’s Award recognizes individuals who have made a special contribution to Scouting here in Piedmont. This year’s honoree is David Ashton (above far right). We selected David because of his critical role in the success of the 2020 tree lot. Among the challenges we had was the need to completely revamp how the tree lot operated in order to comply with COVID restrictions. David spent countless hours developing an extensive and detailed plan to ensure that all of our workers and customers were safe, and spent many more hours working with Piedmont’s Fire Chief Bret Black to address City concerns and to ensure that the plan received City approval. In a year when fundraising has been challenging, having a successful tree lot was critically important for the Council. Thank you to David for the months of effort and the countless hours spent to ensure that the tree lot was a success this year.