by: Ed Murphy, District Chair

 

Monticello District

At our annual Awards and Recognition Dinner on March 5, the Monticello District recognized Scouts and Scouters who have gone above and beyond this past year.

Spirit of Scouting Award

Eric Cutright, Scoutmaster of Troop 1029, was awarded the Spirit of Scouting award in recognition of his more than 20 years of service to Pack 77, Troops 1028 and 1029, and to the VAHC Aquatics Committee. In Pack 77, Eric served multiple years as a Den Leader and Cubmaster. His annual Pinewood Derby workshops are a highlight for many Cub Scouts from multiple packs. In Troops 1028 and 1029, he has served as Assistant Scoutmaster, Scoutmaster, Life to Eagle mentor, and a merit badge counselor for over 60 different merit badges. Eric organizes the Council Aquatics Committee’s annual swim checks each spring, and he helps organize the Winter Aquatics program. His nomination said “For over two decades, Eric Cutright has embodied the Spirit of Scouting, through Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, to Venturing, to the District and to Council-level service. He is the epitome of cheerful service…”

Outstanding Scout Awards

Adam Brill of Troop 75 received the Outstanding Scouts BSA Scout of the Year Award through his strong leadership, dedication, and positive impact on others in the Troop. “His patience, encouragement, and approachability foster an environment where every Scout feels they belong.” He has shown significant growth by earning the rank of Life Scout, completing a trek at Philmont, and being active in the Order of the Arrow. As Senior Patrol Leader and Quartermaster, he demonstrated responsibility and initiative, improving troop organization and leading effectively. Adam’s reliability, service, and upbeat personality make him a valued role model who embodies the core values of Scouting. “Adam Brill embodies the qualities of an outstanding Scout — leadership, service, resilience, and a genuine dedication to others.”

Caitlin Powell of Troop 360 received the Outstanding Scouts BSA Scout of the Year for her trailblazing leadership and dedication to Scouting. As the first female Cub Scout in Louisa County and a founding member of Troop 360, she has consistently demonstrated courage, service, and strong leadership, including serving as Senior Patrol Leader. She has actively participated in national opportunities, supported troop initiatives, and is working toward Eagle Scout with a community-focused outdoor youth kitchen and learning space project. Beyond her achievements, Caitlin stands out as a compassionate mentor and role model who embodies the values of the Scout Law in her everyday actions. “She is trustworthy in her leadership, loyal to her troop, helpful to her community, friendly and kind to every Scout who needs support, obedient in following and teaching proper Scouting methods, cheerful in even the toughest service days, thrifty in her project planning, brave in both action and advocacy, clean in her example, and reverent in her respect for others’ paths and beliefs.”

Isaac Yates of Pack 77 received the Cub Scout of the Year Award for his consistent participation, positive attitude, and growth in Scouting. Since joining as a Tiger, he has actively taken part in camps, service projects, special events, and Pack activities, always showing enthusiasm and kindness. He also supports the Council through strong involvement in Popcorn and Peanuts sales. “It has been a joy to watch Isaac grow and mature over the years as a Scout from a shy Tiger to an outgoing and leading Webelo. I am certain he will continue on and do great things throughout his career in Scouting and beyond.”

Jacob Stadler of Pack 222 received the Cub Scout of the Year Award for his exceptional commitment to Scouting despite joining less than two years ago. He has already participated in numerous camping trips and explored multiple troops to thoughtfully prepare for his next steps. Jacob was the top Popnut seller in 2025 and went above and beyond during Scouting for Food by personally engaging with neighbors to increase donations. “His enthusiasm and leadership are further reflected in earning his recruiter strip and actively promoting Scouting through a wide range of events.”

Eagle Scout Project of the Year Award

Hudson Irby has earned the Eagle Scout Project of the Year award for his service project by partnering with the Woodberry Cemetery Association to improve a historic African American cemetery he had previously helped clean. He led efforts to install benches, solar streetlights, a flagpole light, a new entrance sign, and a flag retirement pit to enhance safety, visibility, and community use. The project was funded through his extensive Scouting fundraising efforts and donations, and completed with about 300 hours of volunteer work from 22 participants. His work not only upgraded the cemetery’s infrastructure but also helped raise awareness and engagement within the local community.

Unit Scouter of the Year Awards

We recognized the following volunteers who were nominated by their unit for the Unit Scouter of the Year Award:

Natasha Roberts & Derek Ester, Pack 12
Kara Watts, Pack 77
Andrew Craven, Pack 79
Johanna O’Laughlin, Pack 79
Charles Kleff Jr. Pack 154
Michael Holder, Pack 197 and Troop 197
Warren Litton, Pack 206
Eric & Amanda Maule, Pack 222

Renee Brown, Troop 3
Richard Wilkinson, Troop 12
Jay Gillenwater, Troop 75
Sarah Lindegren, Troop 111
Matthew Esch, Troop 154
Patricia Witmer, Troop 180
Elina Sila, Troop 241
Amanda Willis, Troop 360
Heidi Jackson, Troop 1003
Zachary Paukert, Troop 3125

Paul Bieri, Order of the Arrow Orion Chapter

To our Unit Scouters, thank you for all that you are doing for Scouting and all that you continue to do to support our Scouts.

District Award of Merit

Audrey Storm (Pack 77, Troops 1028 & 1029 and Pack 222) and David Storm (Pack 77, Troops 1028 & 1029) have each been awarded the Monticello District Award of Merit. This is the highest honor that a District can give a volunteer Scouter.

Audrey Storm has received the District Award of Merit for her outstanding service and leadership at the unit, district, and council levels. As a longtime Cubmaster of Pack 77, she transformed the unit into one of the strongest in the district and has helped sustain other struggling packs and troops through mentorship and leadership roles. At the district and council levels, she has served as a Unit Commissioner, district committee member, and Council Vice-President for Membership, guiding growth during a challenging period. Audrey’s dedication, impact, and commitment to youth development make her highly deserving of this recognition.

David Storm has received the District Award of Merit for his dedicated service at the unit, district, and council levels. As Committee Chair of Pack 77, he helped grow the unit into one of the strongest in the district while also supporting Troops 1028 and 1029 as an Assistant Scoutmaster and merit badge counselor. At the district level, he has played a critical role as Friends of Scouting Chair, organizing and delivering presentations that support a major portion of the council’s funding. His commitment, leadership, and willingness to take on challenging responsibilities have made a lasting impact on Scouting in the Monticello District.

This is the first time in Monticello District history that a husband and wife have earned the District Award of Merit in the same year! Congratulations to Audrey and David, and a sincere thank you for all that you are doing for the District and for Scouting.

Monticello District Roundtable

Our next District Roundtable will be on Thursday, April 2, 2026, from 7:00-8:30 pm at the American Legion in Keswick. All adult leaders are strongly encouraged to attend. All unit Key 3 members should attend.

Yours in Scouting,

Ed Murphy
Monticello District Chair