by Mike Matzinger
The impact of Scouting is often measured not in years, but in decades.
Mike Cichanowski, founder and CEO of Wenonah Canoe and recipient of Cotter High School’s 2026 Alumni Achievement Award, exemplifies how a passion discovered in Scouting can grow into a lifetime of leadership, innovation, and service.
As a Scout, Mike developed a love for paddling through river trips, races, and outdoor adventures. Those experiences sparked a passion that led him to build his first canoe in his parents’ basement and ultimately found Wenonah Canoe, one of the world’s most respected canoe manufacturers. Today, paddlers across the globe benefit from innovations that began with a young Scout’s curiosity and determination.
Mike’s accomplishments earned him Scouting’s Distinguished Eagle Scout Award, one of the organization’s highest honors, recognizing Eagle Scouts whose achievements and service have made a lasting impact on society.
Yet his legacy extends well beyond business success. For decades, Mike has championed outdoor recreation, mentored athletes, supported Nordic skiing, created jobs, and invested in his community. Looking at Mike’s journey, it’s easy to see how the interests, skills, and values developed in Scouting can influence a person’s path for decades and create an impact far beyond what anyone might have imagined as a young Scout.
Congratulations to Mike on this well-deserved recognition.