Since 1992
Print and digital marketing
PHOTO: Shelley Connolly, of Pittsfield, receives the District Award of Merit from Luanne Chesley, of Vassalboro, April 13. (Submitted photo)
WATERVILLE — Shelley Connolly, of Pittsfield, was recently presented with the highest award a local Scouting district can bestow upon a volunteer, the District Award of Merit.
Connolly has been scoutmaster, venture crew advisor, unit committee chair, den leader, Webelos leader, chartered organization representative and district merit badge counselor coordinator. She is also the mother of an Eagle Scout.
Connolly was presented the award at the April 13 Kennebec Valley District Scout Leader Roundtable.
The award an be presented to two Scout leaders within a district territory annually, and recognizes outstanding service to the district. Recipients are nominated by one of their fellow leaders and selected by other leaders.
“It is wonderful to see Shelley receiving this award,” Kennebec Valley District Vice Chair Bruce Rueger said. “Scouting only happens because of dedicated volunteers like Shelley.”
Connolly said, “Scouting means opportunity. The program provides an opportunity for youth to experience a well-rounded education where they develop their sense of purpose, duty, patriotism and their ability to work collaboratively with their peers and community.”
Connolly attended the roundtable to instruct leaders from the greater Skowhegan, Waterville and Augusta areas on how to access and update records online. She is also coordinating the annual Spring Camporee at the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine in Augusta.
Those duties are in addition to the time she gives each week to support local BSA programs in Pittsfield.
“I do it because our youth need it and it’s rewarding to see them grow and develop deeper connections with their family and community,” Connolly said.
