2026 Award Recipients Announced

During the Council Annual Meeting on March 2,  Patriots’ Path Council announced their 2026 award recipients.  These honorees will be presented with their awards at the council Awards Celebration on April 25, 2026, at Winnebago Scout Reservation.  Congratulations to all these deserving Scouts and Scouters.

The Silver Beaver Award is given for noteworthy service of exceptional character to youth. It is the highest award a council can bestow upon an adult volunteer. Congratulations to our 2026 Silver Beaver Award recipients: Michelle Blanchfield, James M. Cutler, Donald Fowler, Don Smith, Chandrashekhar Vyas, and Hattie Warren.

The Trailblazer Award is presented to Scouters who have achieved significant accomplishments on a council level over a 24-month period. Congratulations to this year’s recipients: Keith J. Hawkins, Sr., Kathleen Perna, Gary F. Porter, Ph.D., Roger Ruggieri, and Eric J. Shick.

The Youth Leadership Award is presented to youth who have achieved excellence in scholastics, shown outstanding involvement in the community, and demonstrated exceptional dedication and outstanding leadership qualities in the council.  Congratulations to: Madelline Browne, Sammy Landis, Christian Raiman, Abigail Sheridan, Krishan Trikha, and Anika Zoeller.

The Venturing Leadership Award is presented to those who have made exceptional contributions to Venturing on a council level. Congratulations to our 2026 recipients: Natalia M. Arpino and Les Wu.

The Council Alumnus of the Year Award recognizes those who 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. Our 2026 award recipient is Jay DeBoey

The Council Duty to God Award recognizes Scouters who have demonstrated an exemplary history of transformational leadership in supporting and promoting the spiritual foundation of Scouting at the local Council level. Congratulations to Jim Agar, our 2026 recipient.

The International Scouter’s Award recognizes  Scouters for their contributions to world Scouting and  encourages participation in international Scouting activities. Congratulations to our 2026 recipient, Wayne Davis.

In addition, the following Eagle Scouts will be recognized at the Eagle Scout Recognition and Reunion Dinner on May 19th at the Olde Mill Inn.

The Eagle Scout Hall of Fame recognition is presented to Eagle Scouts who, after 25 years since earning the rank, have distinguished themselves in their lifework and have shared their time and talents as volunteers, with their communities.  Congratulations to this year’s inductees:  Jonathan Betz, Eagle Class of 1995; Edward Conrads, Eagle Class of 1979; Matthew Davis Eagle Class of 1985; Lawrence Morris, Eagle Class of 1988; Mark Pasko, Eagle Class of 1991; and Rev. Benjamin Williams, Eagle Class of 1977

The Eagle Scout Merit Scholarship will be awarded to the following Scouts who have demonstrated superior academics, strong leadership, and a spirit of service to others: Clark Laforteza, Brian Burke, Katrina Yapczenski and Brianna Brady.

The Glenn A. & Melinda W. Adams Service Project of the Year Award recognizes valuable service of an exceptional nature by an Eagle Scout candidate through completion of an Eagle Scout project.  Congratulations to our council’s 2026 recipient Alexander Kalfoglou.

Finally,  the prestigious National Eagle Scout Association Outstanding Eagle Scout Award, recognizing  Eagle Scouts who have demonstrated outstanding achievement at the local, state, or regional level and whose efforts have made a positive impact in the community, will be presented to Thomas R. Keays, Eagle Class of 1967.

Congratulations to all our 2026 award recipients!