— Submitted photo WC Troop 17 Scoutmaster Dave Bergeson (center) was recently selected by the Boy Scouts of America Nation Court of Honor to receive the prestigious Silver Beaver award. BSA Prairie Winds District Representative Geoff Greenwood (right) presented the award Tuesday evening. Also pictured is Bergeson’s wife, Shelly.

Webster City’s own Dave Bergeson humbly received national recognition Tuesday evening from the Boy Scouts of America during a round table meeting in Ames. Scoutmaster Bergeson was presented with the distinguished Silver Beaver award from the Mid Iowa Council for his outstanding contributions to the Boy Scouting program the past 18 years.

Using the US military as the model, silver awards are the BSA’s highest awards. The Silver Beaver award is presented by the Boy Scout National Court of Honor on behalf of local councils and given to those with exceptional character that have provided distinguished service implementing the Scouting program, performing community service through hard work, self-sacrifice, dedication and many years of service. It is only given to those who do not seek it. Bergeson was nominated by seven different district leaders, with the national BSA council then reviewing and approving his selection.

“Dave is an outstanding role model for both youth and adult Scouters. He’s the kind of person we strive to guide our Scouts to become,” a district representative stated during the ceremony.

A full Court of Honor was held Feb. 24 at the Maytag Center in Des Moines but unfortunately Bergeson was unable to attend due to the blizzard conditions and impassible roads.