The E. Donald Sterner Award
Honoring a Lifetime of Exceptional Service to Scouting
The E. Donald Sterner Award is a prestigious council-level honor created to recognize adult volunteer leaders who embody a lifelong commitment to the mission of Scouting America. Named in memory of E. Donald Sterner—a dedicated public servant, civic leader, and champion of youth—this award pays tribute to veteran Scouters whose selfless leadership, wisdom, and active service continue long after receiving the Silver Beaver Award.
While the Silver Beaver Award honors distinguished service over a Scouter’s initial tenure, the E. Donald Sterner Award celebrates decades of enduring dedication, mentorship, and ongoing impact on the youth of our community.
Eligibility & Nomination Criteria
The E. Donald Sterner Award is reserved for individuals who have demonstrated sustained, active leadership within Scouting America over an extended lifetime of service.
To be eligible for the E. Donald Sterner Award, a nominee must meet the following criteria:
Silver Beaver Recipient: Must have previously been awarded the Silver Beaver Award.
15+ Years of Post-Silver Beaver Service: Must have continued to actively serve Scouting in a leadership capacity for at least 15 years after receiving their Silver Beaver Award.
Sustained Leadership & Mentorship: Must demonstrate continuous, impactful involvement at the unit, district, or council level during those subsequent 15+ years.
Civic & Character Excellence: Must maintain high moral character and an ongoing record of active service within the broader community.
No Self-Nomination: Candidates must be nominated by fellow Scouters, council board members, or district committees.
How to Nominate a Veteran Leader
Do you know a Silver Beaver recipient who never stopped giving back and continues to guide, mentor, and strengthen Scouting decades later? Help us honor their incredible legacy! Please contact the Council Awards & Recognition Committee to nominate a deserving individual.
List of E. Donald Sterner Council Service Award Recipients
| Award | Year | Recipient Name |
|---|---|---|
| Sterner | 2009 | Edwina Howell |
| Sterner | 2009 | John Cavanaugh |
| Sterner | 2010 | William Quakenbush |
| Sterner | 2010 | Michael Wyman |
| Sterner | 2010 | Joan Wyman |
| Sterner | 2011 | Thomas J Kononowitz |
| Sterner | 2011 | Denis Longo |
| Sterner | 2012 | John Kay |
| Sterner | 2012 | Thomas Rospos |
| Sterner | 2013 | Sanford Brown |
| Sterner | 2013 | Thomas Ritchie |
| Sterner | 2014 | Linda Joan Hassler |
| Sterner | 2015 | William Pearce |
| Sterner | 2016 | Edmund C. Semple |
| Sterner | 2017 | Gerald V. Ceres |
| Sterner | 2018 | Donald Katz |
| Sterner | 2018 | Kenneth A. Bonnell |
| Sterner | 2018 | James Brown |
| Sterner | 2019 | Walter Downing |
| Sterner | 2019 | Richard Goldman |
| Sterner | 2019 | Rev. John Maltby |
| Sterner | 2019 | Stanley Weinstein |
| Sterner | 2020 | Thomas G. Bogart |
| Sterner | 2020 | Patrick Halpin |
| Sterner | 2020 | Jan L. Wouters, Esq. |
| Sterner | 2021 | Wayne Mason |
| Sterner | 2021 | Fred Stringer |
| Sterner | 2022 | Frank A. Davidson |
| Sterner | 2022 | Carl Philip Gross, Esq. |
| Sterner | 2022 | Frank J. Battaglia |
| Sterner | 2023 | Steven D. Buckley |
| Sterner | 2023 | Gerard C. Case |
| Sterner | 2023 | Brian J. Valentino |
| Sterner | 2023 | Alvin L. Zach |
| Sterner | 2024 | Kurt M. Kalafsky |
| Sterner | 2024 | Carl M. Marchetti, M.D. |
| Sterner | 2024 | Spencer Morasch |
| Sterner | 2024 | Sandy-Matthew Reisig |
| Sterner | 2025 | William F. Mollica |
| Sterner | 2025 | Bray B. Barnes |
| Sterner | 2025 | Robert J. Smith Jr. |
Need Additional Help?
For inquiries regarding nomination eligibility or submission procedures, please contact the Council Advancement & Awards Committee at monmouth@scouting.org or call (732) 536-2347.
