BSA's top award recipients
E-mail story
It's easy. Send a link to the story you were just reading to a friend. Just fill out the form on this page and we'll send it along.
Your name and e-mail address are transmitted to the recipient. Otherwise, it is considered private information; see Privacy policy.
The Church's long-time commitment and involvement in Scouting was evident during the recent National Council Meeting in New Orleans, La.
Among the Silver Buffalo recipients were two Church members, while two other members received regional Silver Antelope awards.
James H. Bean and Sue J. Weierman were among the eight individuals presented with the Silver Buffalo Award during a June 7 National Council banquet. Brother Bean and Sister Weierman joined a long list of Church members who have received the award, including President Gordon B. Hinckley and six other Church presidents. Scouting's highest commendation, the Silver Buffalo Award is given to men and women for exemplary service to youth on a national basis.
President Thomas S. Monson, first counselor in the First Presidency and a past recipient of the Silver Buffalo Award, called Brother Bean and Sister Weierman "two very worthy honorees."
President Monson, who has been a member of the National Executive Board of Scouting for 33 years, participated in the New Orleans gathering.
An Oregon attorney, Brother Bean was given the award because of his commitment to Scouting "at every level of the Boy Scouts of America, from local to national involvement," according to BSA. As chairman of Scouting's Western Region Resolutions Committee, Brother Bean has helped build better relationships with chartered organizations and has improved child protection and risk management. He is a member of the Newell Creek Ward, Oregon City Oregon Stake.
He is always found doing his duty to help in Scouting, President Monson said.
Sister Weierman of the Bennion Heights 7th Ward, Bennion Heights Utah Stake, serves as national chairwoman of Outdoor Programs for Cub Scouting and has contributed leadership to several national task forces. A former ward Primary and Young Women president, Sister Weierman has also volunteered at Scout camp school in several states and in Japan. Her husband, David, is an obvious supporter of her Scouting efforts.
President Monson related that Brother Weierman beamed when his wife received the Silver Buffalo award. "I've never seen anyone more pleased," President Monson said.
John L. Cross Sr. of the Lakeview 7th Ward, Orem Utah Lakeview Stake, received the Silver Antelope Award during the June 6 meeting of Scouting's Western Region in New Orleans. The award recognizes individuals who have provided distinguished service to youth on a regional basis. He has spent a lifetime serving in various Scouting capacities at both council and regional levels. He has given both time and resources to the Scout cause, according to BSA.
William R. James of the Sewell Ward, Cherry Hill New Jersey Stake, received the Silver Antelope from the Northeast Region.
Brother James has been involved in Scouting for 30 years serving at local, regional and national levels. Much of his involvement has been with the Sea Scout program, which entails maritime activities for young men.
The LDS presence at the New Orleans Scout meeting went beyond award recipients. Angela Nyman, a 16-year-old Laurel from Lindon, Utah, donned a 1930s uniform and portrayed Scouting's founder, Baden Powell.
In his comments to the Church News, President Monson reiterated the Church's support for Scouting, said that it "is a great program — an activity program of the Aaronic Priesthood."
E-mail: jswensen@desnews.com
