Mayor John Pribonic was presented Scouting's prestigious National North Star Award on Sat., November 4, 2023.
Award ceremony script given by Pastor Weyrick
NORTH STAR AWARD JOHN PRIBONIC
Good morning. My name is David Weyrick and I am one of the volunteer Vice Presidents for the Great Trail Council, Boy Scouts of America which supports Scouting from Medina to Mahoning Counties.
I am joined by Patrick Scherer, the Scout Executive for the Great Trail Council. This morning we are honored to hold a special Scouting Court of Honor.
Courts of Honor date to the origins of Scouting which began in 1907. But our court
is not that same as a judicial court. In this case, court refers more to area or location of honor, like a courtyard. In Scouting, the Court of Honor is a formal ceremony to recognize outstanding achievements.
I hereby declare this Distinguished Court of Honor in session. We are pleased to recognize someone of exceptional character who has provided distinguished service to youth and the Stow community with the presentation of the Scouting's prestigious National North Star Award.
But first, in our Scouting tradition at a Court of Honor, it is appropriate to recognize previous recipients of other of Scouting's Awards of Honor.
The highest achievement for a Scout BSA is becoming an Eagle Scout or in Girl Scouts USA a Gold Award recipient. Would all Eagle Scouts and Gold Award recipients please raise your hand to be recognized.
The highest honor a local council can award to a scouter for generosity and distinguished service is the Silver Beaver Award. Will all those who have previously received the Silver Beaver Awards please raise your hand and be recognized.
We now come to the presentation of the highest award the Boy Scouts of America can present to an individual who, although not in Scouting, resonates the same commitment to providing the best for youth and shows generosity to their community through their service and dedication to others. A North Star recipient is one who points the way as an example for service and devotion to the welfare of others.
The North Star Award joins the prestigious Silver Beaver Award being bestowed by the Council, through a National Court of Honor, to recognize significant contributions to youth and community. This morning we honor a person who has exemplified a commitment to helping others and having compassion for those in the City of Stow and beyond.
For his service to others, his support of Scouting, his dedication to impacting the lives of others through his political career, the Great Trail Council is honored to present the North Star Award to the Mayor of Stow, John Pribonic.
Would you please come forward.
I hereby declare this Distinguished Court of Honor now closed. Thank you, Mayor, for your service.
