TOP PHOTO: BSA Scout Tim Smith collects donations at the 15th annual Good Scout Award Dinner. Thursday evening’s event raised nearly $13,000 to go towards BSA Scouts in Campbell County.

Star Scout Claire Matherly provided remarks on the Good of Scouting at this year’s Good Scout Award Dinner held Thursday evening at the Ball Farm Event Center.

By Charlotte Underwood 

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – The 15th annual Campbell County Good Scout Award Dinner was held Thursday night at the Ball Farm Event Center. 

The event recognized community leader Judge E. Shayne Sexton and outstanding educator James “Jimmy” Davis, along with other community members who play pivotal roles in supporting Campbell County Scouts.

The award dinner also raised $12,825 to support Scouts BSA programs in the area. 

According to the Good Scout Award Dinner Chair Logan Hickman, prior to Thursday’s dinner and fundraiser, $32,822 had been raised through People’s Bank of the South Directors and community donations. The ultimate fundraising goal is for $50,000. Thursday’s dinner should bring the fundraising total to over $45,000.

“This event started as a fundraiser, but it has turned into a celebration of Scouting. It showcases Scouting and the impact it can have on the young men and women of Campbell County. Scouting provides tremendous opportunities,” Hickman said. He also thanked table hosts, who then received certificates of appreciation. 

Former Chief Justice the Honorable Gary R. Wade (right) was the key note speaker at this year’s Campbell County Good Scout Award Dinner. Scouts BSA Troop Leader Chris Thacker (left) presented the former Chief Justice with a hand made hatchet.

Former Tennessee State Supreme Court Chief Justice Gary R. Wade  served as the keynote speaker for the evening. Wade told the audience that by donating to Scouts, they were playing an important role in investing in future generations. 

BSA Great Smoky Moutain Council Mt. Cammerer District Chairman Randy Atkins presented the Good Scout Award to Sexton.

He was born and raised in Campbell County and served as the presiding Criminal Court Judge of the Eighth Judicial District, comprised of Campbell, Claiborne, Fentress, Scott, and Union counties, for 24 years.

Eagle Scouts Class of 2010, the Hickman twins, David (left) and Andy (right) attended the 15th annual Good Scout Award Dinner on Thursday.

Sexton has served on the State of Tennessee Drug Court Advisory Commission from 2006 to 2018 and the Community Health of East Tennessee Board of Directors from 2009 to 2015.  He currently serves on the State of Tennessee Opioid Abatement Council.

Sexton said he was “humbled” to receive the award and said supporting Scouts in Campbell County was a “call that we all should answer.”

“Scouts are the leaders of tomorrow,” Sexton said. 

WLAF’s Charlie Hutson shares a photo from Eagle I high above the Ball Farm Event Center.

Campbell County Director of Schools Jennifer Fields presented the Fretwell Outstanding Educator Award to Jimmy Davis in honor of his 35 year career in education.

Davis is the fourth recipient of the Elbert K. Fretwell Award for exceptional service to education in Campbell County. James “Jimmy” Davis served as an educator for 35 years.  That time included teaching at Coalfield High School and thirteen years as the East LaFollette Elementary principal. Bean Dog, as Davis was nicknamed, starred on La Follette High’s 1954 basketball team that played for the state championship under Coach John R.W. Brown. While at Coalfield, Davis served as the head basketball coach.

He is also a member of the Campbell County Honor Guard and has participated in more than 700 military burials.  

Davis recieved a standing ovation from the audience. 

State Rep. Dennis Powers read two proclamations in honor of both Sexton and Davis. 

“It is only fitting to salute the citizens who have distinguished themselves as county leaders,” Powers said.

Also recognized at the event was Smith Hardware co-owner Sherman Campbell for being a “True friend of Scouting” by participating and donating to more than 20 Scouting events. 

Sherman Campbell, with his wife Nicky, co-owners of Smith ACE Hardware, was recognized as a “True Friend of Scouting” for his many contributions to BSA Scouts in Campbell County.

Star Scout Claire Matherly delivered a speech on the “Good of Scouting” and described how Scouts had changed her life by helping her choose a career in conservation and biology, as well as pushed her into leadership roles. 

“Scouting has changed my life and made me a better person all around,” Matherly said. 

Class of 2010 Eagle Scout Andy Hickman thanked Sexton and Davis, along with the community for their contributions and provided closing remarks for the evening. 

“You represent all that scouting stands for. BSA is indeed grateful for what you have given here tonight.” (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 03/24/2023-6AM)

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