News

A young hero is being celebrated in Bixby, Oklahoma, after his split-second decision helped save an infant’s life. Scout Ryker Yocham is being recognized for his bravery after jumping into a swimming pool to rescue an infant who had fallen in. Ryker received a Life Saving Pin and Command Coin from the Bixby Police Department, presented by Chief Todd Blish. Previously, he received an award through Scouting America.

Meet alum Sam Seward – Eagle Scout, musician, honor student, Georgia Tech admit, and recent high school graduate. Just months before graduation, Sam was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). Most people would understand if his focus shifted entirely to his own battle. Instead, while receiving treatment in the hospital, Sam continued folding origami cranes for other cancer patients.

Congratulations to alum Jacob Lynn Godwin on receiving the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest civilian honor. A Deputy Solicitor for the Fourth Judicial Circuit, Jacob was recognized for a lifetime of service, leadership, and dedication to the people of South Carolina. His distinguished legal career has been marked by integrity, compassion, and a commitment to ensuring justice and fairness for all.

Scouting America today announced a new five-year partnership with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) aimed at advancing the development of America’s next generation STEM workforce through immersive, hands-on educational experiences. This collaboration will connect young people across the country with real-world learning opportunities centered on space exploration, aeronautics, and STEM: science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

For Crystal Thomas, scouting is about much more than badges and activities. It’s about building community, fostering growth, and being a positive role model for young people. As Cubmaster of Pack 3219 and assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 220, Crystal has dedicated years to supporting youth development after first becoming involved when her own children joined scouting. Her leadership journey includes serving as a den leader for 4 years and helping guide Troop 220 for the past 5 years.

As a Scouting alum, I find that stories like this one remind me why Scouting leaves such a lasting impact. Nine years after losing his 4-year-old sister, Evie, in a tragic drowning accident, 17-year-old Carson Hoskins returned to Wildwood Park to dedicate a free life jacket station as his Eagle Scout service project.

When we celebrate Flag Day, it is fitting to recognize the Scouts and leaders who help preserve and share the traditions and values represented by our nation’s flag. Earlier this month, Scouts from Carmel, Indiana Troop 733 demonstrated the proper display, handling, and care of the American flag in preparation for the upcoming 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding. The presentation served as both an educational opportunity and a meaningful reminder of the respect owed to one of our country’s most enduring symbols.

Congratulations to Eagle Scout, NCAA Champion, and now NBA champion Josh Hart, who helped lead the New York Knicks to their first league title since 1973. The Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs 4-1 in the Finals, closing out the series with a 94-90 Game 5 victory on the road. Hart is the third Eagle Scout to become an NBA champion.

Congratulations to Sawyer Nelsen of Troop 12 for leading a major conservation project on Ramstein Air Base in Germany! Sawyer organized and directed a team of Scouts, family members, and adult volunteers to remove approximately 2 dozen Japanese knotweed plants, an invasive species that threatens native ecosystems through its aggressive underground growth.

One of the most important lessons Scouting teaches is service to others, and that lesson begins at a young age. Recently in West Virginia, Cub Scout Pack 52 in Monongalia County put that principle into action by volunteering at Cheat Lake Elementary School, where the pack has been connected for more than five decades. The Scouts spent the day repainting hopscotch courts, four-square courts, basketball court lines, and other playground features that students will enjoy for years to come.

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.

This is one of those Eagle Scout service projects that stops you for a moment. In Endicott, New York, Life Scout Schuyler Savage recently dedicated the Broome County Crime Victims Memorial, a project shaped by personal loss and built to serve his community. After losing his mother, Tess Savage, to domestic violence, Schuyler began working on something that would carry meaning far beyond himself. He envisioned a place where families could remember loved ones, reflect on their lives, and find comfort in shared memories.