Biographies for the 2009 Nominees
These are the twenty-four nominees announced at the
2008 Winter Fellowship Banquet. The ceremony for the Vigil Honor
will be performed at the Spring Conclave. For more information
about the banquet,
click here. For biographies of the 2010 recipients,
click here. For biographies of the 2008 recipients,
click here. For biographies of the
2007 recipients,
click here. For biographies of the 2006 recipients,
click here. For the booklet of the 2005 recipients,
click here.
Click to download the printed
book from the banquet.
David S. Battles
Scouter Scott Battles has shown true dedication to
Scouting and the Order of the Arrow. Serving as Scoutmaster, Scott has
provided a quality outdoor program for the Scouts of his troop and
ensured their attendance at summer camp. He has also shown tireless
service to his chapter by participating in chapter service projects
and camp promotions as well giving leadership as the Chapter Adviser
for three years. Scott has served on the council’s summer camp medical
staff for the past four years and served on staff for the council’s
Shooting Sports and Fishing Summer Camps. For his unwavering
commitment to the outdoor program, we earnestly nominate David S.
Battles for the Vigil Honor.
John D. Battles
Eagle Scout John Battles has tirelessly served as a
youth leader. John has served in two chapter chairmanships and has
additionally served as his chapter’s Chief where he is currently
serving in his second term. He has been involved with ceremonial teams
for the past four years and has attended section conclaves as well as
the National Order of the Arrow Conference. For his devotion to the
Scouting program, John was awarded his Chapter’s Distinguished
Arrowman Award. He has also served on the council’s summer camp staff
for two summers. For his service and dedication to the Order of the
Arrow, we proudly nominate John D. Battles for the Vigil Honor.
Kevin B. Boiles
Eagle Scout Kevin Boiles serves as a great example
within the Scouting program. He has provided guidance to his troop as
Scoutmaster and helped to ensure a quality outdoor program for the
Scouts. He has provided leadership for numerous weeklong summer camps
and high adventure activities for his troop. Kevin has participated in
chapter service projects and camp promotions. For his tireless
service, he was awarded the Scoutmasters Key and the District Award of
Merit. For this, and much more, we wholeheartedly nominate Kevin B.
Boiles for the Vigil Honor.
Michael R. Brand
Scouter Michael Brand has served as an inspiration
for Scouting and the betterment of the Order of the Arrow. In his
chapter, he has served as Ceremonial Team Adviser, successfully
supporting youth leaders to create a strong ceremonial team program
whose numbers have more than doubled since he assumed the position.
Additionally, he has assisted his district by serving on numerous
camporee staffs and as a Camporee Campmaster Adviser. Michael has
served on the council’s summer camp staff and has received
certification as a Certified BSA Aquatics Instructor. He has served
his troop in many positions over the years, including as Scoutmaster,
and has led his troop on trips to Philmont and the Boundary Waters.
For his enthusiastic encouragement to Scouting and the Order of the
Arrow, we ardently nominate Michael R. Brand for the Vigil Honor.
Austin R. Chambliss
Eagle Scout Austin Chambliss continuously shows
selfless dedication and service to the Order of the Arrow and the
camping program. Austin has served his chapter as Banquet Chairman and
Program Chairman. In addition to these services, he has also been a
brother and friend to his fellow Arrowmen, specifically by serving as
an Elangomat. Austin has dedicated three summers to the camping
program by working on the council’s camp staff, most notably this past
summer when he served as the camp’s Nature Director. For his continued
dedication and tireless service, we cheerfully nominate Austin R.
Chambliss for the Vigil Honor.
Jory W. Cook
Jory Cook has served as a consistent example of
dedication to the Order of the Arrow. Jory has served his chapter as
Camp Promotion Chairman, twice as Second Vice Chief, and is currently
serving his second term as Chapter Chief. For his dedication to his
chapter, Jory has earned his chapter’s Distinguished Arrowman Award.
In addition, Jory has served his district by working on numerous
camporee and klondike staffs including once as Campmaster. Jory also
spent a summer at S bar F working on the council’s summer camp staff.
For his tremendous spirit and commitment to the Order of the Arrow and
the camping program, we proudly nominate Jory W. Cook for the Vigil
Honor.
William H. Croker
Bill Croker has shown tireless dedication to the
scouting program. He has served on the Council’s Map and Compass
Committee for more than 15 years, and currently serves as the
Committee Chairman. Additionally, Bill has served his district on
numerous camporee and klondike staffs. Bill has also worked to train
both youth and adults in the Scouting program through his assistance
on his districts commissioner training staff as well as helping with
the council’s summer camp staff training. For his fantastic commitment
and enthusiasm for the Scouting program, we happily nominate William
H. Croker for the Vigil Honor.
Dennis R. Gallagher
Scouter Dennis Gallagher serves as a living example
of brotherhood, cheerfulness, and service. Dennis has played an
important part in the development of his chapter’s ceremonial teams
over the years, working with many young ceremonialists to develop
their characters. He currently serves his chapter as the Camp
Promotion Adviser. In addition, Dennis has served as an adviser on
numerous camporee and klondike staffs. His continued commitment to the
Order of the Arrow and the camping program has earned him the District
Award of Merit, his Wood Badge beads, as well as his chapter’s
Distinguished Arrowman Award. For his eternal passion for the Scouting
program, we enthusiastically nominate Dennis R. Gallagher for the
Vigil Honor.
Alexander J. Gordon
Alex Gordon truly demonstrates the principles of the
Scouting program. As a youth Alex served his chapter as a chairman,
Secretary, and Second Vice Chief. Now as an adult in the Order, Alex
has further shown his dedication for his chapter as he has taken on
the role as the Chapter Adviser. He has attended Sea Base and Northern
Tier high adventure programs. In addition, Alex has worked six summers
on the council’s summer camp staff. In all of Alex’s Scouting
endeavors, his remarkable dedication has become a staple. For his
tireless devotion and undying cheerful attitude, we wholeheartedly
nominate Alexander J. Gordon for the Vigil Honor.
Michael H. Grady
Scouter Mike Grady continues to serve the Order of
the Arrow through cheerful dedication and service. Mike has served on
camporee staffs as an activity adviser and has carried out many troop
and district chairmanships. Currently, Mike serves as Chapter Adviser
and continues to be an asset to the youth leadership by providing good
counsel, motivation, and new ideas. He has also attended many section
conclaves. Mike is always ready to lend a hand when called upon. For
his unwavering dedication to the Order of the Arrow, we gladly
nominate Michael H. Grady for the Vigil Honor.
Michael W. Grogan
Eagle Scout Michael Grogan has exhibited diligent
devotion to his troop, chapter and the Scouting program. Mike has
served his chapter as a chapter officer and on numerous camp promotion
teams. Mike attended National Order of the Arrow Conferences, the
National Leadership Seminar, and the National Conservation Leadership
Summit, and was on ArrowCorps5 Staff at Bridger Teton National Forest.
He has attended all three high adventure bases and has been to two
National Jamborees. For two years Mike was on NYLT staff and has been
on NYLT Pack `n´ Paddle staff for the past three summers. One of
Mike’s biggest achievements was earning the Hornaday Bronze
Conservation Medal. For his dedicated service to the Scouting program,
we are honored to nominate Michael W. Grogan for the Vigil Honor.
Terry W. Grogan
Scouter Terry Grogan serves as an exceptional
example of cheerful service to Scouting. In his chapter, Terry has
been the Induction and Enrichment Adviser, Recognitions Adviser, and
Service Adviser. He has served on numerous camporee and klondike
staffs, including as Campmaster Adviser. He has participated in
section conclaves and two NOACs. This past summer, he served on staff
at two ArrowCorp5 projects. Terry has attended two National Jamborees,
leading one as Scoutmaster. He has served as an adult leader for the
council’s NYLT program and a member of the council’s Hiking Trails
Committee. In his troop, he has led expeditions to Philmont, Sea Base,
and the Boundary Waters. For his devotion to the Scouting program, we
wholeheartedly nominate Terry W. Grogan for the Vigil Honor.
Samuel G. Hay
Eagle Scout Sam Hay is a consummate reminder of the
meaning of cheerful service. In addition to serving on ceremonial
teams and camp promotion, Sam has served as his chapters Program
Chairman and three terms as his chapter's Service Chairman. Sam has
worked on countless camporee staffs, and received the distinct honor
to serve as the Camporee Campmaster. Sam has also served on staff for
eight NYLT courses. For his model of selfless, cheerful service to the
Order of the Arrow and the Scouting program, we enthusiastically
nominate Samuel G. Hay for the Vigil Honor.
James A. Jeep
Scouter James Jeep truly reflects the ideas of the
Order. For the past 14 years Jim has served as an invaluable member of
the Horse Trail Guides. His dedication can be further seen through his
tremendous efforts as a member of the council’s Special Needs
Committee. As a member of these two committees, Jim worked to create
an innovative Special Needs Horse Program. He worked on the Adventure
Days and Special Needs Camporee staffs. For his selfless attitude and
commitment to the Scouting program, we cheerfully nominate James A.
Jeep for the Vigil Honor.
Benjamin M. Kaufman
Eagle Scout Ben Kaufman serves as a model for
selfless service to the Order of the Arrow and the camping program.
Ben has served his chapter as Camp Promotion Chairman as well as the
lodge as Service Chairman and Banquet Chairman. In addition, Ben has
served his district on numerous camporee and klondike staffs, serving
as Campmaster in 2006. Ben has spent the past four summers working on
the council’s summer camp staff. At camp, Ben has earned a reputation
for being a hard worker and having a tremendous attitude. His efforts
in the Order of the Arrow have earned him his chapter’s Distinguished
Arrowman Award. For his astounding service to the Order and the
camping program, we ardently nominate Benjamin M. Kaufman for the
Vigil Honor.
Conner G. LaLonde
Eagle Scout Conner LaLonde has thoroughly proved his
continued dedication to Scouting and the Order of the Arrow. In his
chapter he is a vibrant leader who inspires all who work with him.
Conner has participated in service projects, ceremonial teams, and
camp promotion. He served two terms as the Induction and Enrichment
Chairman, and this year was elected Chapter Chief. Conner also
dedicates his time to serving on the council’s NYLT program, where he
teaches the importance of servant leadership. He has attended section
conclaves, Philmont, and Northern Tier. For his exceptional
contributions to the Order of the Arrow, we cheerfully nominate Conner
G. LaLonde for the Vigil Honor.
Steven N. Levitt
Eagle Scout Steven Levitt has continuously served
Scouting and the Order of the Arrow for many years. In his chapter,
Steven’s devotion to the program has propelled him to serve as Chapter
Secretary and First Vice Chief before being elected to his current
position as Chapter Chief. He has also served as Lodge Lookout
Chairman. He has served on numerous camporee staffs, serving once as
Campmaster. He attended both the 2007 World Jamboree and also the 2005
National Jamboree. In his own camping experiences, he has attended
Philmont, NOAC, and four section conclaves. In the council, he has
served on camp staff for three years. For his continued devotion to
the Scouting program, we proudly nominate Steven N. Levitt for the
Vigil Honor.
James J. May
Scouter James May has shown tremendous dedication to
the Scouting program and the Order of the Arrow. He is a recipient of
both the District Award of Merit and his chapters Distinguished
Arrowman Award. Jim has worked with ceremonial teams, been an
Elangomat, served on camp promotions, and participated in numerous
service projects. In his chapter, Jim currently serves as the
Induction Enrichment Adviser. In addition, he has served on NYLT staff
for the past four years. As a Scoutmaster, he ensured that his troop
had a strong outdoor program. For his steadfast devotion to Scouting
and the Order, we wholeheartedly nominate James J. May for the Vigil
Honor.
Matthew B. McMahon
Matt McMahon has cheerfully dedicated himself and
his time to the Order of the Arrow. Matt has served his chapter in two
different chairmanships as well as First Vice Chief and Chapter Chief.
He has also shown his dedication by serving on the lodge level as
Recording Secretary. Matt has served on several different camporee
staffs and on ceremonial teams for numerous years. He is an Eagle
Scout who served the council on summer camp staff and also served on
staff for Order of the Arrow Summer Camp. For his contributions to the
Order of the Arrow, we gladly nominate Matthew B. McMahon for the
Vigil Honor.
Mark B. Murray
Scouter Mark Murray has shown great dedication to
the Scouting program. As a youth, he earned the rank of Eagle Scout
and was inducted into the Order of the Arrow. On the district level,
he has served on the training committee. As a Scoutmaster Mark has
taken his Scouts to summer camp each year and led a troop contingent
to Philmont in 2003. He also has taken his troop’s O.A. candidates to
many Fall Reunions and Spring Conclaves. Through his numerous years as
a Scouter, Mark has mentored scores of Scouts and helped many of them
to become Eagle Scouts. Because of his unremitting devotion and
consistent leadership to the Scouting program, we eagerly nominate
Mark B. Murray for the Vigil Honor.
Edward D. Nahlik
Eagle Scout Edward Nahlik faithfully embodies the
ideal of selfless service. In his chapter, Ed has served as
Brotherhood Chairman and Website Chairman, in addition to being
elected as Chapter Chief. He has served on multiple camporee staffs,
and he has served as a Klondike Campmaster. He attended the 2005
National Jamboree and he has served his council on camp staff for four
years. He continues to stay involved with his Ceremonial Team, which
was honored as the best Brotherhood Ceremonial Team in Section C-5C in
2007. He has attended numerous section conclaves and has earned his
religious medal. His continuing devotion to the Order of the Arrow and
his selfless attitude serves as a source of energy and as an example
for those around him. For his enthusiastic spirit and devotion to the
Order of the Arrow, we cheerfully nominate Edward D. Nahlik for the
Vigil Honor.
Matthew J. Nahlik
Eagle Scout Matt Nahlik has demonstrated
wholehearted, cheerful service to the Order of Arrow and the camping
program. Through his tireless efforts as Lodge Corresponding Secretary
and currently as Lodge First Vice Chief, Matt contributed to the
formation of the O.A. Program at summer camp last year, as well as
accepting other challenges. He has also been part of numerous
ceremonial teams, and service projects, and has served as an
Elangomat. Matt has contributed to the council’s camping program by
serving on camp staff for three summers. This past summer, he was the
camp’s Order of the Arrow Coordinator. For his outstanding devotion
and service, we wholeheartedly nominate Matthew J. Nahlik.
G. Allen Nickols
Allen Nickols has shown unwavering dedication to the
Scouting program. Allen’s devotion to his district is evident in his
service on the Eagle Board as chairman and in the countless
Life-to-Eagle Seminars he has led. Committed to the youth, Allen has
also volunteered time during the summer to serve on staff for NYLT
Pack and Paddle the past three years. He has participated in chapter
service projects and camp promotions, and has served as the Chapter
Brotherhood Adviser and Ceremonial Team Adviser. For his tireless
effort and enduring commitment, we proudly nominate G. Allen Nickols
for the Vigil Honor.
Tyler S. Robinson
Tyler Robinson has served as an outstanding example
of servant leadership. He has worked on numerous camporee and klondike
staffs, and he has had the honor to serve as Camporee Campmaster.
Tyler has also served on the councils NYLT staff as well as national's
NAYLE staff at Philmont. He has participated in ceremonial teams,
conducted camp promotions, and helped with many service projects.
Tyler has served as his chapters Website Chairman and Crossover Teams
Chairman, and is currently serving as Chapter Chief. For his
unwavering service and leadership to the Order of the Arrow and the
Scouting program, we are honored to nominate Tyler S. Robinson for the
Vigil Honor.
Matthew J. Rocchio
Matt Rocchio endlessly contributes to the Order of
the Arrow through tireless service and dedication. He has served on
camporee staffs and as an Elangomat, and has participated in numerous
service projects. Matt has contributed to his chapter by serving as
Induction and Enrichment Chairman, Chapter Secretary, and is currently
serving his second term as Chapter Chief. During his terms as chief,
Matt has worked to expand upon programs, improve chapter events, and
create new resources that benefit the chapter. For his continuous
service and wholehearted dedication to the Order of the Arrow, we
happily nominate Matthew J. Rocchio for the Vigil Honor.
Paul A. Unger
Eagle Scout Paul Unger has shown great commitment to
the Order of the Arrow. Paul has served his chapter twice as First
Vice Chief and once as Chapter Chief. Paul has also served on his
chapter’s ceremonial teams and camp promotion teams, and as an
Elangomat. His dedication to the Order has led to his attendance at
multiple Section Conclaves. Additionally, Paul has served his district
on camporee staffs as well as on the council’s summer camp staff. For
his constant leadership within the Order and the camping program, we
proudly nominate Paul A. Unger for the Vigil Honor.
Christopher L. Webb
Chris Webb has diligently served Scouting and the
Order of the Arrow. He has been an active member of his chapters
ceremonial teams and has served as his chapters Website Chairman and
O.A. Troop Representative Chairman before holding his current position
of Chapter First Vice Chief. Chris has also worked staff for the
councils NYLT program and his district camporees, where he recently
got the privilege to serve as Campmaster. For his tireless devotion to
Scouting, he was recognized by his chapter with the Distinguished
Arrowman Award. For his exceptional contribution to the Order of the
Arrow and Scouting as a whole, we honorably nominate Christopher L.
Webb for the Vigil Honor.
Andrew J. Yarbrough
Andrew Yarbrough has shown tremendous dedication to
the Order of the Arrow and the camping program. On the district level,
he has served on numerous camporee staffs, camp promotion teams, and
service projects. Andrew has had the privilege to serve his chapter as
Ordeal, Brotherhood, Ceremonial Teams, and Program Chairman. He has
also served on the council's NYLT staff, teaching Scouts essential
leadership skills. For his outstanding commitment to his chapter and
Scouting, we gladly nominate Andrew J. Yarbrough for the Vigil Honor.
Michael J. Yarbrough
Eagle Scout Mike Yarbrough has cheerfully and
selflessly dedicated himself to living the principles of our Order. He
has assisted his chapter with ceremonial site preparation, lending a
hand wherever needed. He has served as his chapter’s Brotherhood
Adviser and Ordeal Adviser, and is currently the Crossover Adviser.
Mike has gone above and beyond assisting with the Four Winds Ceremony
and the Broken Arrow Ceremony. Mike has also committed himself to
serving his troop first, serving as its Scoutmaster and assistant
Scoutmaster. For his unselfish service and tireless effort, we humbly
nominate Michael J. Yarbrough for the Vigil Honor.
Thomas J. Zeuner
Scouter Thomas Zeuner has shown tireless dedication
to the camping program. Tom has served his district as the Camping
Chairman for the past three years. During his 20 years as an adult
leader, he has been on numerous district camporee and klondike staffs
as well as camp promotion teams. This past summer, Tom was the
Scoutmaster for a provisional troop, giving Scouts who could not go to
camp with their own troop the opportunity to attend summer camp. He is
also a merit badge counselor for several different merit badges
helping Scouts along their trail to Eagle. Tom is also a member of the
council’s Quartermaster Corps. For his endless commitment to the
camping program, we cheerfully nominate Thomas J. Zeuner for the Vigil
Honor.
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