Latest news with #CubScoutoftheYear
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
‘Scouting means family:' Cub Scout feeding others by founding nonprofit
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — This year's Great Smoky Mountain Council Cub Scout of the Year is an active scout who sells popcorn, enjoys pinewood derby cars, going camping and being with his friends, but most importantly, is devoted to service. Acen Kala is a master cookie maker. He makes pans of his famous brownies made with the help of his mother Nisha. She's encouraged her 10 year old son to learn early about serving others. West wrestler Ahmed Shahin hits the ground running after move from Egypt He's just a 5th grader, yet he's demonstrated a strong sense of compassion and leadership. Acen founded his own non-profit, Mission ACE, about 3 years ago. It's purpose is to offer comfort and nourishment to those facing hard times. 'So, I help, I help the homeless a lot, that need food and that need clothing The homeless are unfortunate, so we need to help them more. We need to get them to another level that is good,' Acen Kala said. Acen has partnered with 'The Love Kitchen' providing food, and Angelic Ministries and the YWCA filling and distributing mission bags. Monthly, he takes goodies to Transformation Church's food pantry. Acen enjoys regular kids stuff too. He likes to go fishing. Another favorite, being outdoors with his friends. Acen has been a Cub Scout since the first grade. 'Scouting means family. Scouting is a community, it's a really close community. Through scouting we have build good friends who we see as family. For me as a parent it was important that he saw the homeless and what they were going through to help build that empathy. It's important in terms of growth. It has really shaped and formed Acen and his character,' Nisha Kala said. He's an academic achiever at Jefferson Middle School in Oak Ridge. 'The real focus is fellowship': Sea Scout of the Year recognized for leadership, community service Acen and his mom received the Dove Award from ARC for their contributions to those with developmental disabilities. His goal in life is to shoot for the stars. 'I want to get to space and try to see the moon and all kinds of things in space,' Acen Kala said. Acen is one of the three scouts being honored at the Great Smoky Mountain Council of the Boy Scouts' Distinguished Citizens Dinner. The council is also honoring 110 'iconic leaders' of the council as it celebrates its 110th year. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
31-01-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Sequoyah Council hosts Distinguished Citizen Dinner
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — On Thursday, the Sequoyah Council of Scouting America recognized community members at the annual Distinguished Citizen Dinner. News Channel 11's Kenny Hawkins emceed the event. The dinner recognizes the community's efforts in supporting and raising money for Scouting America. Organizers said recognizing the community ensures generations of Scouts. Members of Scouting America were honored at Thursday's events for their contribution to the organization and the community. Those members are listed below: Brayden Beecham won the 2025 Glenn A. & Melinda W. Adams Service Project of the Year Award for building the new entrance to the Jonesborough Library Community Garden. Jack Stinson, Arrow of Light Scout Pack 239, was named the 2025 Cub Scout of the Year. Jaden Ray, Eagle Scout Troop 99, was named the 2025 Scout of the Year. Jacen Post, Corbin High School JROTC, was named the 2025 Cadet of the Year. Mark Caruso, LTC USA IN (RET) Junior Cadet Leadership Challenge Commandant, was named the 2025 Volunteer of the Year. Jason Berry, Eagle Scout and Washington County, VA, county administrator, was named the 2025 Distinguished Citizen. This year's guest was Tony Vitello, the University of Tennessee's head baseball coach, who talked about the importance of being a team player. 'I think the thing that we've tried to preach to our guys the most is being a good teammate and that applies not just to being on a team but being a part of any group and then ultimately, no matter what group you're part of your ultimately a part of a bigger group in the community,' Vitello said. 'So being out in the community and understanding the fact that if you give to somebody else, they'll want to give back to you and it kind of becomes a circular thing and everybody's better off for it.' The Sequoyah Council of Scouting America reported that the group met its fundraising goal of $400,000. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
