Michele Burgess, this year’s recipient of the George Watkins Citizen of the Year award, said she was “very, very honored” to be in the company of previous award winners who have given so much to the community.
Watkins received the first award in 2014, and Burgess, newly retired from her role as president of the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce, said on Tuesday’s TownTalk that the fundraiser dinner on May 18 was a fun evening that involved many from the community, all to benefit Boy Scouts.
Emie Clevenger is vice president of resource development for the Eno River District of the Scouts’ Occoneechee Council, which includes Vance County. This year’s event exceeded its goal and netted close to $80,000.
“It’s something we’re proud of – to be able to give back to the community through Scouting,” Clevenger said.
The funds promote “Scoutreach,” whose mission is to recruit strong adult leaders and bring Scouting to youth in underserved areas.
Burgess recounted the event’s speakers for the evening, including Brandon Lawrence, who grew up in the area and was a Boy Scout. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout and also ended up earning every badge that a Boy Scout can earn – more than 140, Clevenger confirmed.
Lawrence spoke on the importance of scouting, Burgess said.
But she said Lawrence represents so much more for the community – he’s part of the younger generation who will need to step up to provide leadership.
“Scouting is such a great leadership building program,” Burgess said.
Individuals interested in learning more about Scouting programs can visit www.ocscouts.org or contact Clevenger at Emie.clevenger@scouting.org.
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