Courtesy photo Shown, from left are Erick Kestila, Pastor Mike Markwell, Jamie Motto, Michael Markovich, Becky Landenberger, and Alan Ettenhofer.

ESCANABA — The Hiawathaland District of the Michigan Crossroads Council, Scouting America recently held its annual recognition dinner at Bay College to recognize outstanding leaders for exemplary service and organizations for their vital support.

The Scouter Spirit Award for 2025 was presented to Erick Kestila who serves in many roles: Cubmaster of Pack 408, Scoutmaster of Troop 408, Activities Chair for the District and Camp Hiawatha Camp Director. Most weekends he is at Camp Hiawatha supporting an event or doing projects. He was previously OA Chapter Adviser for seven years.

The Chartered Partner Organization of the Year is Immanual Lutheran Church, Escanaba. It has been a chartered partner organization for both Pack 411 and Troop 411 for 50 years providing tremendous support to those units. Pastor Mike Markwell, an Eagle Scout, has increased this support since he arrived in 2021 by leading canoe day trips, teaching Scouts merit badges, and attending Scout summer camp.

A Key Scouter Award was presented to Jamie Motto of Pack 3445 in Bark River. She has served as its Popcorn Kernel for eight years and assured the smooth functioning of the pack with her husband during that time. She does whatever is needed for families to have good experiences in Scouts.

The District Award of Merit is presented to Scouters who render service of an outstanding nature at the district level. Michael Markovich who has been a Den Leader, Cubmaster, and is now Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 411 received the Award this year. His passion for Scouting stems from his time earning the Eagle Scout Award. He also was in a Nursing Explorer Post, a passion that turned into his profession. Markovich is an RN Staff Nurse for Bellin Health in Iron Mountain. He also is a paramedic with Rampart Emergency Medical Servies and is the Chief of the Delta County Search and Rescue team.

Another Key Scouter Award recipient is Becky Landenberger of Escanaba. She started her Scouting journey in 2014 as a Scout mom. Since then, she has been a trained Den Leader and Cubmaster in Pack 411 in Escanaba, as well as a trainer. She also volunteers with Troops 411 and 410 as Assistant Scoutmaster.

The North Star Award is for non-Scouters to recognize individuals for significant contributions to the local Scouting program. Alan Ettenhofer received the award for his work with the U.P. Whitetails Association. He has been a leader in the organization since 1988 and lent his personal support to all their projects.

The Association Inc. has a long history of supporting projects at Camp Hiawatha including building a new, rifle range, purchasing two new high security gun safes, contributing to a new Ecology Building, and funding the new Cowboy Action Center. Throughout the U.P., it has educated the public on Chronic Wasting Disease and improperly processing deer, enhanced white-tailed deer habitat, sponsored hunter’s safety programs, 4-H shooting teams, and books in libraries on wildlife and wildlife habit, andestablished scholarships in forestry and biology.

Other recognitions at the meeting were Beth Paling, Iron Mountain, Silver Beaber; Elrico Hurley, Iron Mountain, Distinguished Commissioner Award; Peter Kenn, Negaunee, District Award of Merit; George Larson, Negaunee, Scoutmaster of the Year Award; Rich Henrion, Iron Mountain, Cubmaster of the Year Award; and Patrick O’Brien, Harvey, Most Valuable Professional.

Information about the programs of Scouting America (formerly Boy Scouts of America) is available at michiganscouting.org.