NESA Outstanding Eagle Scout Award

Honoring Local Eagle Scouts with Extraordinary Career and Community Achievements

The National Outstanding Eagle Scout Award (NOESA) is a prestigious recognition granted by the National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) to Eagle Scouts who have demonstrated outstanding achievement and distinction at the local, state, or regional level.

While the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award (DESA) is reserved for nationally recognized figures 25+ years after earning their rank, the NOESA recognizes Eagle Scouts of all ages—including younger adults—who have made significant, positive contributions to their profession, community, or county through dedicated leadership and service.

Purpose of the Award

The NOESA was established to highlight Eagle Scout alumni who exemplify the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law in their adult lives. It honors those who have achieved notable success in business, public service, education, medicine, military service, law, or science, alongside dedicated community volunteerism.


Eligibility & Nomination Criteria

The NOESA is awarded by NESA upon nomination from the local council.

To be eligible for the National Outstanding Eagle Scout Award, a nominee must meet the following requirements:

  • Eagle Scout Status: Must have earned the rank of Eagle Scout as a youth member of Scouting America.

  • Local, State, or Regional Distinction: Must have achieved notable professional success, leadership, or expertise within their field, or demonstrated exceptional civic leadership at the local or state level.

  • Community Leadership: Demonstrates an active record of voluntary service, mentorship, or leadership in community, charitable, religious, or educational organizations outside of Scouting.

  • Open to All Adult Ages: Unlike the DESA (which requires 25 years post-Eagle), the NOESA is open to adult Eagle Scouts at any stage of their post-youth career.

  • No Self-Nomination: Candidates must be nominated by fellow Scouters, NESA members, colleagues, or local council committees.

How to Nominate an Outstanding Eagle Scout

Do you know an Eagle Scout alumnus whose professional career, community service, or military achievements serve as an inspiration to others? Help us recognize their accomplishments!

Nomination Steps:
  • Download the Official Nomination Form: Obtain the NOESA Nomination Form from the NESA portal.

  • Detail Professional & Civic Achievements: Highlight career milestones, awards, published work, military service, executive leadership, and civic contributions.

  • Highlight Community Impact: Outline their involvement in civic groups, nonprofits, educational boards, or volunteer initiatives.

  • Gather Endorsements: Attach supporting letters of recommendation from professional peers, community leaders, or fellow Scouters.

  • Submit to the Council NESA Committee: Turn in the completed packet to the Council Advancement & Alumni Committee for selection review before submission to the National NESA Committee.


NOESA Recipients

Year Recipient
2011 Christopher Smith
2012 Sanford Brown
2013 Stanley Weinstein
2015 Kurt Kalafsky
2015 Lawrence Fink
2015 Christopher Petrillo
2016 Jan Wouters
2016 Elmer Potter
2016 Denis Longo
2017 Mark Johnson
2017 Frank Battaglia
2018 Tom Bogart
2018 Todd Columbia
2018 James Philips
2018 Jeff Rumen
2019 Anthony Buccigrossi
2019 Matthew Kaufman
2019 Chris Maher
2019 Brian Valentino
2020 David DeWitt, Ph.D
2020 James Martin, MD
2020 Matthew Park
2020 William Vaughan
2021 Carlton Hoye

Need Additional Help?

For questions regarding the council’s award policies, or nomination process, please contact the Council Awards Committee:

  • Awards & Recognition Committee Chair: Sandy Matthew Reisig

  • Awards & Recognition Committee Staff Adviser: Robert Buob