The Sam Houston Area Council held its annual Recognition Dinner on May 8, 2001.  At this dinner, the Silver Beaver award was presented to 36 individuals.  Of those, two were from the Golden Arrow District and are as follows:

John R.    Curry

John Curry is an Eagle Scout and has been a registered Scouter in the Council for 48 years.  During that time he has served for three years as the waterfront director at El Rancho Cima River Camp, Order of the Arrow Callout Director and, for 25 years, was a Member-at-Large in the Council.  John served as Scoutmaster for Troop 197 in the Golden Arrow District for the past 14 years.  He has led his Troop on numerous canoeing and backpacking experiences.  Most recently, they hiked in Colorado where they climbed to 12,800 feet and crossed the Continental Divide.  Currently, he is the Troop Committee Chairman.      John received his Wood Badge beads in 1991 and was awarded the District Award of Merit last year.      John is active in the Methodist church.  He has served his church as Chairman of Finance, Chairman of the Administrative Board, member of the Board of Trustees and Chairman of the Board of Trustees.  He is a student of the Bible and a teacher of Bible study.  John has been singing in church choirs for 34 years and currently sings in the choir at St. Paul's Methodist Church.  In 1998, John was part of a team that went to Bolivia to conduct a one-week eye clinic for members of the Quechua Indian Tribe.  In 2000, he returned to Bolivia as head of the optical shop dispensing more than 350 pairs of glasses to the Quechuas.

William    Paterson

William Paterson began his adult Scouting career in 1986 as a Den Leader in the Golden Arrow District.  He has held numerous positions including Assistant Scoutmaster, Troop Committee Chairman, District Training Team, Unit Commissioner, Camporee Staff, Order of the Arrow Adult Advisor for Ceremonies Team, SHAC Coordinator of the International Committee and staff for the International Encampment.      William has also lead Troop 80 to Mexico and Japan.  William's many Scouting honors include the District Certificate of Appreciation, Unit Service Award, District Award of Merit, Wood Badge Beads and Outstanding Commissioner Award.  He is a Vigil member of the Order of the Arrow.      William has served as Chairman of the Sharpstown Scout House Committee at St. Francis de Sales Church.  He has also served on the Board of Directors of the Society of Photographers.  He has received the Community Service Award from WIRES for his fundraising effort on behalf of the Houston Women's Shelter.

     The BSA, acting through the National Court of Honor and upon the nomination of the Sam Houston Area Council, may present the Silver Beaver Award to persons for their distinguished service to youth.  The SHAC may make a limited number of nomination each year, according to the total number of units registered in the council.
     This award is bestowed for noteworthy service of exceptional character to youth by registered adult volunteers. The award may not be applied for personally, only those persons who have been nominated by their Scouting peers are considered.
     The recipient receives a plaque, signed certificate, official knot badge, and the medal shown below.