Katelyn Cannon named VFW Scout of the Year
Submitted by Scouts BSA Troop 19
The annual Department of New Jersey Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Convention was again held at the Wildwood Convention Center in Wildwood this June, where Eagle Scout Katelyn Cannon of Scouts BSA Troop 19, chartered at St. Rose of Lima Church, Short Hills, was honored as the New Jersey Veterans of Foreign Wars “Scout of the Year.”
Cannon, a resident of Millburn and a recent Millburn High School graduate was selected by the VFW’s Scout of the Year as New Jersey’s single standout Scout who exemplifies leadership, patriotism, and love of country. State-wide applicants for this distinguished award are both Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts who have earned either the Gold Award or achieved the rank of Eagle Scout respectively.
“The challenge (for the selection committee) is that there are so many worthy applicants from all the districts, but I found this year’s choice to be easier than most. It’s because this person, this Scout, this Eagle Scout, was just head and shoulders above her peers.”, said VFW Scouting Chairman, Jim D’Arcy.
“She was in the Inaugural Class of Female Eagle Scouts of 2021, now that is going through a glass ceiling.” added D’Arcy to a round of applause.
Cannon was requested to address the statewide delegation at the convention where she requested the assembly of dominantly male veterans to close their eyes, as she walked them through a visualization as to what their childhood as Scouts may have entailed.
“Allow me to take you back to your teenage years. Think about the outdoor place that you loved. It may have been a summer camp, or on the riverbed fishing, or even hiking the Appalachian Trail or possibly camping in the Pinelands. Think about those adventures, what did you learn? You were taught to be independent and confident, you learned critical life skills, became leaders, and made lifelong memories and friends along the way. Just think, for over 110 years, these opportunities to learn leadership, experience adventure, and master life-long skills were only open to young men. Now open your eyes. I am proud to stand before you as living proof that your daughters and granddaughters now too can have the same wonderful experience in Scouting and possibly become Eagle Scouts.”
Cannon’s Scouting accomplishments include being a founding member of Scouts BSA Troop 19, a former Senior Patrol Leader and current Junior Assistant Scoutmaster who has earned 83 merit badges to date, has received the Ad Altare Dei and Pope Pius XII religious awards, as well as a citizenship medal from American Legion. Furthermore, she was selected to attend 2022 New Jersey Girls State, a leadership and citizenship program sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary. In addition, she was recently selected as the Sons of American Revolution Eagle Scout Essay contest winner for the State of New Jersey and was national runner-up.
“Scouting and my Eagle project was such an incredible learning experience. Being involved in the program, because of the positive change, has defined my path forward in life.”, said Cannon.
“It was and is a tremendous honor for our Post that Katie was selected as the Scout of the Year. We are very inspired by Katie and all that she has done for herself, the Scouting community, our state and great country. It was especially great that our Post was able to sponsor such a well-qualified person to represent our district and state. We here at Post 6259 offer our thanks and congratulations on her terrific achievement.”, shared Berkeley Heights VFW Post 6259 Commander Al Campora.
Katelyn Cannon will be embarking on a new journey this fall, studying Public Relations & Strategic Communications at Purdue University.
Photo by Scouts BSA Troop 19, St. Rose of Lima, Short Hills NJ
