An Oxford man was one of almost 300 inductees into the Boy Scouts of America’s 100th Anniversary National Hall of Leadership this year.
William J. Schmitt, 19, of the Housatonic Council in Derby, was inducted into the hall of leadership July 25, according to a press release from the Boy Scouts of America.
The inductees were named to the National Hall of Leadership for making a “significant difference in the life of another by the extraordinary service they have given … and the Scouting virtues they have modeled,” according to the press release.
Four of the inductees were present at the ceremony in Washington D.C. to represent the four Boy Scouts regions. Schmitt said he was not present.
Inductees could be of any age or gender. The only requirement was that they had a profound impact on someone else. Also, only living individuals were eligible for nomination.
Schmitt said he was honored to be among the inductees.
“I was pretty surprised,” Schmitt said. “It’s always interesting dealing with recognition like that. The greatest recognition is seeing the scouts I’ve had an influence on.”
Schmitt has been on the camp staff for the Edmund E. Strang Scout Reservation Boy Scout Camp, helping 10 and 11-year-old campers transition from Cub Scouts into the Boy Scouts.
“We prepare them to go into the future, to be in leadership positions,” Schmitt said.
Schmitt said he has been active in the Boy Scouts for more than 10 years.
“This is a one-time opportunity to honor, recognize, and thank Scouts, leaders, and any living person who has served as a Scouting volunteer from across the country for the extraordinary difference they have made in the lives of others through their leadership,” said Chief Scout Executive Bob Mazzuca.
“What better way to help celebrate 100 years of Scouting in America than by giving the citizens of the communities we serve the opportunity to remember and honor these individuals who have made such a significant contribution to the lives of others and who have improved the quality of life for all,” Mazzuca said in the release.
