Annual Exploring dinner recognizes local program volunteers and youth
The annual Exploring Recognition Dinner took place on April 7, 2022. This was the first event held in person in more than two years because to the ongoing pandemic. This event recognized the Exploring youth, volunteers, organizations, and Exploring posts that help provide the invaluable hands-on opportunities and experiences that make Exploring such a unique program
The Advisor of the Year Award was presented in honor of Mike McGuire, who passed away on June 12, 2021. He was a long-time Exploring mentor and Post leader who connected with hundreds of youth during his career and engagement in this work-force development program.
Because of his mentorship, many Explorers eventually chose careers in law enforcement including dispatching, working in corrections facilities, and road patrol. At the event, we were joined by family members, friends, and coworkers of the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office who remember and honor him. Read more HERE!
The annual Exploring Recognition Dinner took place on April 7, 2022. This was the first event conducted in person in more than two years because to the ongoing pandemic. This event recognized the Exploring youth, volunteers, organizations, and Exploring posts that help provide the invaluable hands-on opportunities and experiences that make Exploring such a unique program
The event would not have been possible without generous contributions from partnering organizations. This year’s presenting sponsor was provided by Marathon Petroleum Corporation. The Exploring Scholarship was made possible with a sponsorship from CentraComm. Additional Post sponsorships came from Crown Equipment Corporation, Findlay Warehousing, and Dr. Stan Doty and Doty Dental.
The recognition dinner was emceed by University of Findlay English professor Dr. Christine Denecker. The invocation was provided by Greg Amburgey; Executive Officer of Marathon Engineering Exploring Post, Post committee member of the City of Findlay Aviation Exploring Post, and Exploring Board Member. During this time, a moment of silence was held to honor fallen Bluffton Police Officer Dominic Francis who passed days before the event.
Many awards were presented to Exploring volunteers and Posts that are excelling in their community. Additionally, awards were presented to recipients from Senator Sherrod Brown’s office. Among those are the Sparkplug Award, On-Duty Award, Advisor of the Year, Post of the Year, William H. Spurgeon Award, and a $500 Exploring Scholarship.
If you have a story for the Extraordinary Explorer newsletter or would like to learn more about the program for local high school students, contact Kaleb Brown at Kaleb.Brown@Scouting.org
Exploring began in 1949 and is part of the Black Swamp Area Council program and learning opportunities along with the Scouting program serving young people of West Central and Northwestern Ohio.More than 5,400 individuals are participating in the local program as a Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturers, Explorers and adult volunteers. In 2020, these individuals participated in 8,069 hours of community service.
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