Alum Justin Parsons Uses Skill He Learned as a Youth to Save a Life
Circle Ten Council recently held its annual fundraising luncheon, where one local man was recognized for his quick, lifesaving actions during a critical moment. The highlight of the program was the recognition of Justin Parsons, who stepped in to help a woman who began choking during an event hosted by L3Harris Technologies. As others called 911, Parsons relied on first-aid skills he had learned as a Scout and immediately performed the Heimlich maneuver until the obstruction was cleared and the woman could breathe again.
Eagle Scout Helps A Community Advance His Eagle Scout Service Project 30 Years After Completion
In 1996, as part of his Eagle Scout service project, Jeremy Gneiting organized a fundraiser to install a community sign for Grant, Idaho. A Fourth of July breakfast with donated food resulted in a sign that helped define the community for decades. That same sign is being replaced, and Gneiting is once again involved alongside a group of local residents leading the effort.
Janet Braun Awarded Congressional Women of the Year
Scouting alum Janet Braun was honored earlier this month as one of Rep. Judy Chu’s 2026 Congressional Women of the Year, recognized alongside nine outstanding women from across the California San Gabriel Valley for their service and leadership. Braun, elected to the City Council in 2022 and serving as mayor in 2025, has a long record of public service. Her leadership includes serving as chair of the Planning and Public Safety Commissions and active involvement in civic and women’s leadership organizations. She has also supported voter protection and turnout efforts and contributed to numerous local institutions.
Scout Jayden Woodson Turns His Challenge Into Compassion
Jayden Woodson is showing what servant leadership truly looks like. Living with sickle cell anemia himself, Jayden chose to turn his personal experience into an act of compassion and support for other families facing the same challenge. As part of his Eagle Scout service project, he created comfort kits for parents whose children are receiving treatment for sickle cell disease at Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU.
Scout Mady Wilsing Saves a Life by Being Calm Under Pressure
Here’s another powerful reminder of how Scouting prepares young people to lead and serve when it matters most. Life Scout Mady Wilsing of Scouts BSA Troop 114 in Ivy, Virginia, was recently honored for her heroic actions after saving the life of a 3-year-old child at a local pool. Drawing on her training and staying calm under pressure, Mady immediately dove into the water, rescued the unresponsive child, and began lifesaving care until paramedics arrived.
Scouts Complete Service Project While Battling Cancer
The Chicopee City Council recently recognized Eagle Scout Bryce Holmes of Hadley, Massachusetts Troop 303 for his resilience, service, and dedication to Scouting. A lifelong Chicopee resident and member of the Western Massachusetts Council, Holmes remained active in Scouting and school while undergoing three years of chemotherapy for inoperable brain cancer.
Scout Responsible for Construction of Accessible Fishing Pier
In Berks County, Pennsylvania, Gavin Wanner saw an opportunity to make a difference at Blue Marsh Lake, a popular recreation area visited by thousands each year. As he worked toward the rank of Eagle Scout, he proposed as his service project rebuilding the park’s aging accessible fishing pier at the Stilling Basin, a well-known fishing spot for bass, catfish, and walleye.
Nicole Ross: Her Office Will Have No Walls
Nicole Ross is graduating from Texas A&M with a degree in Rangeland, Wildlife, and Fisheries Management, and a track record that’s hard to ignore: Eagle Scout, Corps of Cadets Battalion Commander, drone pilot, USDA NextGen Fellow, and endurance athlete. In South Dakota, she helped restore aquatic habitats by planting thousands of trees, studying stream health, and leading her own research. On campus, she’s led more than 200 cadets, building a leadership style rooted in presence, listening, and showing up.
Luke Williams Achieves Scouting America’s Triple Crown of Advancement
At 20 years old, Luke Williams has achieved Scouting America’s Triple Crown of Advancement, one of the organization’s highest distinctions. Each award represents a significant commitment to leadership, service, and skill development. Earning all three is exceptionally rare, with only a small number of scouts nationwide reaching this milestone.
Paul Loomis Named Pillar of the Community
Alum Paul Loomis was recently recognized as a “Pillar of the Community” by the Scouting America Twin Buttes District, part of the Grand Teton Council based in Idaho. The award was presented during a ceremony at the American Legion Stewart Hoover Post 23. It traditionally recognizes dedicated Scouting leaders, but this year organizers chose to spotlight Loomis for his leadership beyond the program.