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, Al Barr of Virginia Beach, is the District Commissioner for the Princess Anne District.

In recognition of Al’s service to youth over his tenure as a volunteer adult leader, he has received the 2000 PAVAB District’s May Crace Spirit Award, Cub Scout and Boy Scout Leader Training Awards, Cubmaster Award, District Award of Merit, Outstanding Service Award, and the 2018 Princess District Key 3 Award.

Additionally, he earned the Roundtable, Unit, and Assistant Commissioner Arrowhead Honor, William D. Boyce Award, Commissioner’s Key, and 2019 Commissioner of the Year.

The recognition ceremony was held on Thursday, May 27, 2021, at the Khedive Shrine Center in Chesapeake. Additional honorees were John Wayne Abernathy (Chesapeake) 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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