March 3, 2004 > Local Scout Leaders Receive Recognition for Service

by Garrett Yee

Four local adult scout leaders from the Mission Peak District received the Silver Beaver Award, one of Scouting's highest volunteer awards, at a special recognition dinner held at Merritt College in Oakland on Saturday, February 6, 2004. The four recipients are:

Steve Armstrong: Steve has been an active adult leader for over 18 years. He has been through the full spectrum of Scouting in the District. Steve is noted not only for his effective efforts with the Friends of Scouting Campaign, but for being a friend and mentor of many adult leaders. Steve currently serves as District Vice Chairman.

Bill Coleman: Bill has been an active adult leader in the San Francisco Bay Area for over 20 years, and as an active member of the Elks Lodge #2121 which has supported many youth programs in our community.

Jansje Heiyn Schmitz: Jansje has been an active adult leader for over 22 years and has been involved with Scouting at all levels. She currently serves as a member of the District Advancement Committee and is now starting the cycle of Scouting experience all over again with her grandson.

Richard Westover: Richard has been an active adult leader for over 24 years. He has served in a number of Scouting positions in units and at district levels. Richard has a very positive approach to everything and has been successful in sparking interest in Scouting in both youth and adults. Richard currently serves on the District Training Committee and as a Troop Committee Chair.

About Scouting: The purpose of the Boy Scouts of America-incorporated on February 8, 1910, and chartered by Congress in 1916-is to provide an educational program for boys and young adults (young men and women) to build character, to train in the responsibilities of participating citizenship, and to develop personal fitness. The Mission Peak District serves over 2500 members and their families in Fremont, Newark, and Union City. To find out more about Scouting, visit our website at www.sfbay.org/mp.