Virginia Beach, Va. – Three local Boy Scouts of America (BSA) leaders have received the Silver Beaver Award, the highest honor bestowed by a local BSA council. First introduced in 1931, the prestigious award recognizes volunteer leaders who have provided distinguished service to youth.

One honoree, John Wayne Abernathy of Chesapeake, is a Unit Commissioner, serving two troops and two packs. He also is the Family Friends of Scouting chair for Three Rivers District.

Wayne is a Brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow Blue Heron Lodge. He received the Elizabeth River District Award of Merit, the Community Service Organization Award (with Scouting and Ruritan National), and earned the Commissioner Key and Arrowhead Award.

He is a current member of the Tidewater Council’s Eagle Donor Club. He has earned several leader service knots, the P.R.A.Y. organization’s mentor award, and the Religious Service Life, Family, and Church award. He has received seven Eagle Scout Mentor pins and the Eagle Scout Dad pin.

The recognition ceremony was held on Thursday, May 27, 2021, at the Khedive Shrine Center in Chesapeake. Additional honorees were Al Barr (Virginia Beach) and Anne Bussiere (Virginia Beach).

About Tidewater Council, Boy Scouts of America

Tidewater Council is the 5th oldest Boy Scouts of America council in the United States, established in 1911. Today, the council serves over 3,000 youth and 1,300 adult volunteers in the Virginia cities of Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Virginia Beach, and the North Carolina counties of Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Dare, Gates, Pasquotank, and Perquimans.

Boy Scouts of America is one of the world’s largest youth organizations. More information about Tidewater Council, Boy Scouts of America is available by visiting www.tidewaterbsa.com, emailing james.parnell@scouting.org, or calling 757-497-2688.

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