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The South Georgia Council, Boy Scouts of America held a Building Leaders Dinner at Cordele First Church on September 12, 2024. The dinner was part of the council’s fundraising efforts. The South Georgia Council supports Scouting programs in 28 counties.

The highlight of the evening was seeing our Sheriff Billy Hancock receive the first North Star award ever presented in the South Georgia Council. The North Star award is a “high-level award presented by councils on the behalf of the National Court of Honor for nonregistered volunteers who have made a significant contribution to Scouting.” It is “on same level as the Silver Beaver Award, which is for registered volunteers.”

The event was opened by MC Melody Godfrey, of Melody Godfrey Insurance. Britt Brinson, Assistant Scoutmaster of Cordele Boy Scout Troop 270, blessed the evening’s meal.

Scouts from Troop 270 presented the colors and Senior Patrol Leader Simon Baker led the attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance. The meal followed the posting of the colors.

After supper, Samantha Mumphery, mother of Eagle Scout Korey Watts, gave her testimony of how much Scouting has meant to her Family.

Adam Newman, Chief Operating Officer at CE Family, and Mrs. Godfrey introduced the evening’s honoree, Sheriff Billy Hancock. The North Star award was presented to him by South Georgia Council Executive Mark Manchester. Sheriff Hancock then spoke and thanked the many people who played a big part in his receiving the award, including his parents and the members of the Crisp County Sheriff’s Office.

Sam McCord, Council Assistant Scout Executive talked to the guests about “investing in leadership.” He was followed by guest speaker Brigadier General (Retired) Johnathan McColumn who talked to everyone about leadership.

General McCollumn was in the Pentagon on September 11, 2001. He reminded everyone of how the entire country stood together as one on September 12, 2001, but that, sadly, only twenty-three years later, we are just about as divided as we have ever been. He linked that to a lack of leadership.

Sponsors for the event were Buford Farms, Crisp Regional Hospital, Flint Equipment Company, Lawson & Reid Attorneys at Law, Rainwater, Gibbs, & Wright LLP, South Georgia Banking Company, and O’Steen Subaru.

Scouts who presented the colors were Jake Atkins, Simon Baker, Jacob Frost, and Jensen Wade. Adult Scouters attending the event were Scoutmaster John Frost, Assistant Scoutmaster Britt Brinson, Charter Organization Representative David Wade, Troop Committee Chair Terry Fennell, and Troop Committee Members Brady Atkins and Gene Baker.