By Staff
A celebration was in order at the Boy Scouts' LaSalle Council annual dinner. Six dedicated volunteers were presented with the Silver Beaver Award. The Silver Beaver is the highest commendation a council can bestow upon an adult volunteer. This year, Dan Carlson, Elizabeth Harsh, David Niswonger, Judith Cook, Margaret "Peggy" Soderberg and Jack Hunsberger enjoyed the recognition they so deserved. The requirements include active participation at the Scouting Council level after years of learning the ropes with volunteer work within the district. "We're very fortunate locally to enjoy the benefits from so many wonderful volunteers at both the district and council level. They serve tirelessly and are literally the backbone of the Scouting program," said Pat Bridges, Scout Executive and CEO.
Elizabeth Harsh is an amazing and wonderfully committed Scouter who loves and supports the program so much that she is registered and very active in not one, but two area Scout Councils.
She has exercised her considerable skills and commitment in a wide variety of unit, district and council level volunteer activities for the past 25 or more years. She has served as a Cubing and Scouting volunteer at all levels, with 12 years as a Scoutmaster. With her mentorship and program driven activities, a number of young men have earned their Eagle Scout awards.
In addition to unit level leadership, this volunteer has contributed significantly to district activities. She has served on district advancement, membership and training committees, and has been a key contributor in the organization and success of a number of Cub Scout packs. She has served on JLT staffs in two Councils and, after earning her Wood Badge beads in 1985, she was a member of the training staff teams for three Wood Badge courses in the 1990s.
She is a Brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow. This Scouter is also very active with the programs of her church, Our Lady of the Lake and in her community, where she has volunteered in a number of capacities. The volunteer time, talent and accomplishments of this dedicated and active Scouter are an inspiration to all Scouters and the youth touched by the product of her efforts.