Local Scouts, leaders receive Uwharrie District awards

ASHEBORO — The Uwharrie District of the Boy Scouts of America held its Annual Recognition Banquet on Feb. 12 and several local Scouts and leaders were honored.

The Uwharrie District includes Randolph, Davidson and Davie counties. This banquet is held annually to honor all adults and youth involved in the Scouting program. 

The Robert Ashley McGlohon Memorial Award has been given annually since 1945 to the outstanding Boy Scout in the Uwharrie District. It’s named in honor of Robert McGlohon, an Asheboro resident who was a US Army Air Force pilot when he died in action on Sept. 8, 1944.

The 2025 McGlohon Award recipient is Nathan Alexander of Troop 221 of Lexington. 

Alexander has been a member of the scouting program for more than 8 years and is an Eagle Scout. He is a Brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow and has worked on staff for Winter Camp and OA Conclave. He is a student at Davidson County Community College.

The Cleveland Thayer Award has been given each year since 1973 to a Unit Leader in the Uwharrie District who provides outstanding service to the Scout program, church and civic organizations. 

The 2025 recipient is Crystal Jeremias of Troop 9221 of Lexington. 

Her experience in Scouting includes being a Cub Scout and Scout BSA leader as well as starting a new troop 9221. Jeremias was also awarded the Scouter’s Training Award during the banquet.

The Joe Cecil Boy Scout Leader of the Year Award was presented to Eric Heskett, Troop 500 of Asheboro. 

Heskett has served as Assistant Scoutmaster, Merit Badge Counselor and Order of Arrow Chapter Advisor. He was also awarded the Scouter’s Training Award during the banquet. 

The District Award of Merit is presented to adult leaders in Uwharrie District who have given outstanding service to Scouting in the district. The 2025 recipients are Jesse Bullins, Pack 509 of Asheboro, and Shane Herman, Pack 221 of Lexington. 

Bullins has served as Cubmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster, Merit Badge Counselor and District Popcorn chairman. He is also a recipient of the 2024 Conrad Penninger Cub Scout Leader of the Year. 

Herman has served as Den Leader, Assistant Scoutmaster, Cub Scout Shooting Sports Chairman and Venture Crew Advisor. He is also a recipient of the 2023 Conrad Penninger Cub Scout Leader of the Year. Herman was also awarded the Scouter’s Training Award and Wood Badge Beads during the banquet. 

Also recognized during the evening for accomplishments to Scouting were: 

Unit Leader Award of Merit —Steve Ashworth, Troop 500, Asheboro.

Golden Shovel Award —Jesse Bullins, Pack 509, Asheboro.