Leaders and officials of the Minsi Trails Council of the Boy Scouts honored Eagle Scout Connor Savage for heroism during the Council Recognition Dinner and annual business meeting Jan. 31. Savage was awarded the National Medal of Merit for his live-saving action when a girl took ill while on a school bus in Stroudsburg began to “move uncontrollably.” He directed others to call 911 while he gave medical assistance to the girl.

The Scouts and their supporters were assembled for their annual recognition dinner at the East Hills Moravian Church on Butztown Road.

Scout officials also honored several of the adult leaders with the Silver Beaver award, a council-level, distinguished service award of the Boy Scouts of America. Recipients are registered Scouters who have made an impact on the lives of youth through their hard work, self-sacrifice, dedication and many years of service.

Slatington resident Edward J. Bechtel was among others awarded the Silver Beaver. With 23 years of service to the Boy Scouts, he is currently the committee chair for Troop 58 in Slatington. Bechtel has served on the Minsi Trails Council for the Jambo Scout Activities Committee and led the North Valley’s Friends of Scouting Campaign.

Previously Bechtel had recieved the district’s Award of Merit and the Owl Award.

Also receiving the Silver Beaver Award was David W. Freeman of Quakertown. Freeman has been an active board member in Scouting for over 18 years. He is currently the treasurer for the Minsi Trails Council and is a former executive board member and finance committee board member.

The Silver Beaver Award also recognized Freeman’s service on the transition team for merging the York and the Harrisburg councils to form the New Birth of Freedom Council. He has served on several boards, including being the board campaign chair for the United Way of Bucks County. Freeman also served as the treasurer for the Bucks County Symphony from 2010 to 2018.

George A. Kenyon Jr. of Nazareth also was awarded the Silver Beaver Award for services. He has been an active Scout for 15 years. He has camped over 230 nights, hiked over 400 miles, canoed over 100 miles and completed a 50-mile “afoot & float” trip.

Retired U.S. Navy Captain Kenyon is a retired submarine commander who continues to serve through Scouting. He is a Brotherhood Member of the Order of the Arrow.

Also honored with the Silver Beaver Award was Herbert C. King of White Haven. He is currently serving as the scoutmaster for Troop 25 and is a den leader for Cub Scout Pack 25. King has volunteered for Minsi Trails Council for over 33 years. He has assisted 14 Scouts achieve their Eagle rank and has received the Unit Leader Award of Merit.

The Silver Beaver Award also went to Emmaus resident Jerome R. Yost III, who has served as a Trexler District member at large since 2004. He was a crew advisor for Crew 940 for four years. Jerry has been a volunteer for the Challenger Little League for special needs youth and helped on numerous Eagle Scout projects.

William J. Kropa from Nazareth also received the Silver Beaver Award recognizing 37 years of service as a Scouter. He was an assistant scoutmaster for 19 years. He was a volunteer firefighter and served on an ambulance crew. He was sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps and part of the Pa. State Task Force for Special Needs, and president of Parents of Down Syndrome support group.

Corrinne Kropa, daughter of William and Jeanne Kropa, was honored with a James E. West Fellowship Award. With it comes a personalized certificate, a distinctive lapel pin and an exclusive knot for the uniform.