Scouting Alumni

Seventeen-year-old Kai Popowski just finished his leukemia treatment in July, and instead of taking a break, he went straight to work giving back. For his Eagle Scout service project, Kai led a full revamp of the courtyard at the Richmond Ronald McDonald House, creating a better space for the families who lean on that house the way his did.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVlqrvNk0wo

Cancer-free Eagle Scout revamps Virginia Ronald McDonald House that helped his family Cancer-free and giving back. Seventeen-year-old Kai Popowski finis...

Leslie W. Hicks has been recognized for his accomplishments in cybersecurity and technology leadership, as well as more than a decade of service as a Scouting America volunteer.

Hicks is the founder, President, and CEO of Cardinal Technology Solutions, a veteran-owned cybersecurity and managed services company serving organizations across the Mid-Atlantic and beyond.

As an assistant Scoutmaster, Hicks has dedicated his time to mentoring young people, developing leadership skills, building character, and encouraging a commitment to community service. His approach to leadership and service reflects the discipline and commitment developed during six years of honorable service in the U.S. Marine Corps and throughout his career in information technology.

Beyond his professional and Scouting commitments, he remains active in education, mentorship, and veterans’ initiatives, continuing a longstanding commitment to serving others and strengthening his community.

https://www.24-7pressrelease.com/press-release/538764/leslie-w-hicks-recognized-for-leadership-and-contributions-to-cybersecurity-managed-it-services-and-network-engineering

Leslie W. Hicks Recognized for Leadership and Contributions to Cybersecurity, Managed IT Services, and Network Engineering September 21, 2026 -- President and CEO of Cardinal Technology Solutions recognized for more than 30 years of leadership, innovation, cybersecurity expertise, and service to the technology industry

Scouting America alum Tricia Bethel Cannon is being recognized for a longstanding commitment to leadership, mentorship, and community service in the Coweta County, Georgia, area.

Cannon helped launch Coweta County’s first all-girl Scouts BSA troop in 2019 and later stepped aside as Scoutmaster to create opportunities for others to develop their leadership skills.

Her service extends beyond Scouting through mentoring with Elevate Coweta, supporting local schools and Kiwanis, and helping provide Wilderness First Aid training. Across these roles, her approach has centered on teaching others, encouraging participation, and developing future leaders.

Her career in financial services has also given her another avenue to connect service with community impact.

Congratulations, Tricia, and thank you for your service.

https://thecitizen.com/2026/09/21/citizen-of-the-week-tricia-bethel-cannon-makes-room-for-the-next-leader/

Citizen of the Week: Tricia Bethel Cannon Makes Room for the Next Leader | The Citizen Tricia Bethel Cannon helped launch Coweta County’s first all-girl Scouts BSA troop — and then, after years of leading it, stepped aside. For Cannon, that de ...

Calvert County, Maryland, Sheriff Ricky Cox presented Sheriff's Salutes to members of Prince Frederick-based Boy Scout Troop 430 this month for a rescue that likely saved a fellow Scout's life.

During the troop's Northern Tier canoe expedition in Minnesota, about 125 miles into the trip, a Scout slipped on rocks and was swept into a whirlpool. Other Scouts jumped in to help immediately, and when the Scout lost consciousness, another troop member administered resuscitation while adult leaders coordinated the broader response. The injured Scout was flown out by seaplane to a hospital and later returned home to Maryland with the troop.

The Sheriff's Office credited the group's preparedness and training, calling the outcome a reminder of what such training can accomplish far from help.

https://southernmarylandchronicle.com/2026/09/18/quick-thinking-scouts-save-life-earn-sheriffs-salute/

Quick-Thinking Scouts Save Life, Earn Sheriff's Salute Calvert County Sheriff Ricky Cox presented members of Boy Scout Troop 430 with Sheriff’s Salutes this month, honoring the Prince Frederick-based troop for a rescue that likely saved a fellow Scout’s life during a wilderness canoeing expedition in Minnesota this summer. The troop was roughly 125 ...

What if young people didn’t have to choose between succeeding in Scouting and succeeding in everything else they care about?

Eagle Scout Nathan Harper Marek of Troop 948 in Pleasanton, California, exemplifies what is possible.

Nathan recently earned Scouting’s highest rank after leading a 200-hour service project to build new planter boxes for kindergarten students at Donlon Elementary School.

But Scouting was only one part of his journey. At Amador Valley High School, Nathan served as Secretary of the Associated Student Body, became a school-record wrestler with more than 100 varsity wins, and helped raise $40,000 for George Mark Children’s House through the Mr. Amador program.

Now, he is taking the next step, attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to study business finance.

Scouting doesn’t have to compete with a young person’s other interests and ambitions. It can help young people develop the leadership, confidence, service mindset, teamwork, and perseverance they can carry into the classroom, the athletic field, their careers, and their communities.

https://www.independentnews.com/community/from-eagle-scout-to-unc-pleasanton-s-nathan-marek-celebrates-a-year-of-achievement/image_73e6d4bb-34f0-4a8c-984a-69ac41eb94f0.html

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

From Eagle Scout to UNC: Pleasanton’s Nathan Marek Celebrates a Year of Achievement Eagle Scout Nathan Harper Marek of Troop 948, son of Sara and Don Marek of Pleasanton, recently earned Scouting’s highest rank after leading a 200-hour service project to construct new

Are you an amateur radio operator? Join other alums and Scouts around the world during the upcoming Jamboree on the Air.

https://www.arrl.org/news/get-ready-for-jamboree-on-the-air

Path to Pro Programs will Deliver 15 Million Introductions to High-Demand Construction Careers

The Home Depot and The Home Depot Foundation today announced a new initiative to provide 15 million introductions to the skilled construction trades by 2032. As part of this effort, The Home Depot is launching Path to Pro Skills Explorers curriculum, a free, hands-on educational experience designed to introduce middle and high school students (ages 11–17) to high-demand, high-earning careers in the trades, just when career aspirations begin taking shape.

While the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 4.1 million construction skilled trades jobs are expected to open over the next decade, only 6% of young people are currently interested in entering these fields, according to a study conducted by the National Association of Home Builders.

Developed in partnership with Scouting America and piloted with Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Skills Explorers is designed to equip teachers, parents and community mentors with turn-key modules to teach foundational skills in areas such as woodworking, plumbing, electrical and painting. Students can gain exposure to career pathways while building confidence through hands-on projects. The curriculum also includes age appropriate content on leadership and soft skills.

“Our skilled trades merit badges have always taught young people fundamentals that put them on the path to careers,” said Roger Krone, president and chief executive officer for Scouting America. “With the generous support of The Home Depot Foundation, we can take that a step further at a moment when this country needs more young people who are ready to enter the skilled trades. Scouting prepares young people for life. With support from The Home Depot Foundation, we can prepare them for careers, as well.”

Educators, youth organizations and parents can access the free Skills Explorers curriculum and explore resources by visiting https://www.pathtopro.com/skills-explorers/.

https://www.scoutingnewsroom.org/path-to-pro-programs-will-deliver-15-million-introductions-to-high-demand-construction-careers/

Congratulations to Michael Charles McGown of East Liverpool, Ohio, on receiving the Daniel Carter Beard Masonic Scouter Award on September 12 at East Liverpool Lodge #681.

An Eagle Scout and longtime Scouting leader, McGown has dedicated more than four decades to Scouting, including serving as Scoutmaster of Troop 2012 since 2018.

His commitment to leadership, mentorship, and service has impacted generations of young people in the East Liverpool community.

https://www.reviewonline.com/news/community-news/2026/09/michael-charles-mcgown-honored-with-daniel-carter-beard-masonic-scouter-award/

Michael Charles McGown honored with Daniel Carter Beard Masonic Scouter Award EAST LIVERPOOL— A lifetime of service, leadership, and dedication to Scouting was celebrated Sept. 12 as Michael Charles McGownwas honored during a Daniel Carter Beard Award Ceremonyat East Liverpool Lodge #681. The Daniel Carter Beard Masonic Scouter Award recognizes Master Masons who have demons...

🏈 Eagle Scouts are making their mark in the NFL!

Scouting America has identified 13 Eagle Scouts on NFL rosters for the 2026 season, representing teams across the league. The list includes familiar names such as Garett Bolles of the Denver Broncos, Landon Dickerson of the Philadelphia Eagles, David Montgomery of the Houston Texans, Bobby Okereke of the Carolina Panthers, and Trey Smith of the Kansas City Chiefs.

These Eagle Scouts have carried Scouting lessons into professional football, including leadership, teamwork, discipline, perseverance, and service. Their paths to the NFL are as diverse as their positions, from offensive linemen and running backs to tight ends, linebackers, punters and a long snapper.

Among the highlights, Landon Dickerson delayed enrolling at Alabama to complete his Eagle Scout service project, while David Montgomery continues to be an active advocate for Scouting. Tommy Townsend, a two-time Super Bowl champion, was also recognized as a Distinguished Eagle Scout in 2023.

Learn more in today's On Scouting:

https://onscouting.org/2026/09/17/meet-13-eagle-scouts-who-made-nfl-rosters/

Meet 13 Eagle Scouts who made NFL rosters Scouting America ambassador David Montgomery has found a new spot with the Houston Texans. See where other Eagle Scouts landed this season.

In Cortland, New York, Scouting America launched its first Criminal Justice Exploring Post for youth ages 14 to 20 interested in careers in criminal justice, law enforcement, and related fields.

The program was created to help address local workforce shortages and to provide young people with hands-on career education and exposure to public service careers. The inaugural event brought together representatives from the Cortland County Sheriff’s Office, City of Cortland Police, New York State Police, NYS DEC, and other community partners. Participants learned about potential careers and built relationships with local law enforcement and public safety professionals.

Strong interest from youth and community agencies has led the Greater Finger Lakes Council to consider additional cohorts and Exploring Posts in other career fields.

https://www.cortlandstandard.com/news/scouting-america-exploring-post-introduces-youth-to-criminal-justice-careers/article_4da227d5-d835-49a0-ae75-a696254d9c9a.html

Scouting America Exploring Post introduces youth to criminal justice careers CORTLAND — Scouting America held the first event Tuesday for its newly established Criminal Justice Exploring Post, a program for young people ages 14 to 20 interested in careers in