Chester County’s community leaders and scouting enthusiasts gathered May 21 at Freed-Hardeman University’s Hope Barber Shull Academic Resource Center for the 2024 Good Scout Award Luncheon. Dr. Don Shull and Renee Phelps were honored for their exemplary service and civic contributions. The ceremony featured a colors presentation by Pack and Troop 25, insights into recent scouting activities by Jason Bramblett, and a push to increase fundraising by James “JR” Ross, board president of the West Tennessee Area Council Boy Scouts of America.
“The Good Scout Award recognizes individuals who exemplify the spirit of the Scout Oath and Law by helping others and doing their best at all times,” Bramblett said. “This prestigious award honors those whose personal and public contributions enhance our community and the world in which we live. This award is also the West Tennessee Council of the Boy Scouts of America’s highest honor for individuals or corporate citizenship in local communities. The Good Scout Award distinguishes those who go above and beyond expectations. It celebrates those who truly make a difference, not only because they care but because they act.”
In his youth, Shull became active in Boy Scout Troop 25, achieving the rank of First Class and earning three Merit badges. He now boasts more than 35 years of faithful service to the scouting movement. He re-engaged with scouting during his sons’ involvement in Cub Scouts, eventually serving as scoutmaster, assistant scoutmaster and various other roles mentoring youth. Though he has stepped back from active scouting roles, he continues to value his enduring connections within the scouting community.
Phelps, a resident of Chester County, is renowned for her dedication to community service and involvement across West Tennessee. She passionately fundraises for cancer research through involvement in various programs, and she holds leadership positions on several local boards. She has been involved in a variety of organizations, such as the Exchange Club-Carl Perkins Center for Prevention of Child Abuse and the Chester County Foster Care Review Board. In countless ways, Phelps has consistently shown her commitment to helping others and making a positive impact on society.
All those involved in the Chester County Good Scout Award Luncheon were eager to show their unwavering support to their friends and community. In this way, they proudly upheld the Scout Oath: “On my honor, I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.”
The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes. The West Tennessee Area Council has thousands of Scouts each year involved in their organizations throughout 20 counties of the region. More information is available at westtnscouts.org.
