The Georgia-Carolina Council of the Boy Scouts of America will hold their annual Distinguished Citizens Dinner on Thursday July 30^th. Life Scout Christopher Shay will be presented the National Council Honor Medal for Lifesaving. Christopher’s quick thinking and sound judgement and his calm clear communications with the 911 dispatcher and the rescue team helped to save the life of his sister Kelly Shay.   

The Honor Medal is awarded to a Scout or Scouter who has demonstrated unusual heroism and skill in saving or attempting to save a life at considerable risk to self.  About 2,700 of these medals have been awarded nationally since 1923.    

Numerous Columbia County Emergency Services Personnel will be recognized as Distinguished Citizens for their outstanding efforts last December in saving the life of Kelly Shay. Honorees include Battalion Chief Anthony Lovett, Dispatcher Courtney Clark, Truck 1 William Holberton, R-2 Matthew Eck, R-2 Joseph Vines, E-2 Michal Allen, E-2 Mark Smith, E-3 Russell Whisnant, E-3 Josh Rote, E-3 Rushton Metzler, E-5 Robbie Stevens and E-5 Dalton Long.  

Dr Shawn Fagan, Chief Medical Officer of the Joseph M. Still Burn Center at Doctors Hospital will be the keynote speaker. Columbia County Commissioner Chairman Doug Duncan and Georgia-Carolina Council President Keith Milburn will present awards.  

The event will be broadcast live via the Georgia-Carolina Council Facebook page and You-Tube channel starting at 6:30 PM.   

The event will kick-off the year long celebration of the Centennial Celebration of Boy Scouting in the CSRA. Additional Centennial activities will be taking place between now and August 2021. You can be a part of this event by watching live and by donating to the Georgia-Carolina Council at www.gacacouncil.org/donate .