SCOUT DISTRICT HANDS OUT AWARDS OF MERIT TO TRIO

Three scouting leaders from the Southeast Missouri Boy Scout Council received the 1991 Shawnee District Award of Merit at the district's recognition dinner held Tuesday night in Cape Girardeau.

This year's recipients are Glen McBride, Bob White, and John H. Cochran III.

The Award of Merit is the highest that can be given to an adult at the district scouting level.

McBride is cubmaster of Pack 18 at Jefferson School. He is a member of the Order of The Arrow, a graduate of Woodbadge training and has served in a number of capacities at the district level. McBride is sales manager for the Jim Wilson Co. of Cape Girardeau.

White is scoutmaster of Troop 10 in Cape Girardeau. In addition to Woodbadge training, White received the 1990 Scouter's Key, and was chairman of the district Scout-O-Rama in 1989 and 1991. White is a salesman for Ford Groves Motor Co. of Cape Girardeau.

Cochran is a member of the Order of The Arrow, a graduate of Woodbadge, and serves as Shawnee District Roundtable Commissioner. He also served in various positions with Troop 10 in Scott City. Cochran is co-ordinator of the International Business Institute at Southeast Missouri State University.

Outgoing Shawnee District Chairman Al Stoverink accepted the Quality District Award from the national office of the Boy Scouts of Americ for the second year in a row. The award was presented by SEMO Council President John L. Oliver Jr.

"It's a very significant award for the district," Stoverink said. "It's based on the growth of units in the district, achievement of district financial goals and the number of quality units within the district."

Stoverink said the district also met its membership goal of 2,000 boys.

"For the second year in a row, the Friends of Scouting program will achieve its financial goal to ensure continued support of our district youth scouting programs," he said. Last year's goal was $30,000. This year's goal is $35,000.

Stoverink said the district receives financial support from the United Way, unit popcorn sales, and the Friends of Scouting program.