
Introducing Our 2025 Scouts of the Year
We’re excited to announce our 2025 Scouts of the Year! From Cub Scouts to Scouts BSA and our very first Explorer of the Year, these exceptional youth represent the best of Scouting. Take a look and see their inspiring stories in action!
Mackenzie - Cub Scout of the Year
Mackenzie is a Tiger Scout in Pack 275. She is full of energy and enthusiasm for the program, and her passion has been instrumental in the growth of the den.
Mackenzie is a master recruiter, regularly encouraging her classmates to join Scouting by sharing her positive experiences. Her efforts have had a direct impact on the growth of the den, helping to double the size of both the Lion and Tiger dens this year.
Her enthusiasm and dedication to Scouting have played a key role in the strong recruitment efforts of Pack 275, and she truly exemplifies the spirit of Scouting. Mackenzie’s leadership and natural ability to inspire others make her an ideal candidate for Cub Scout of the Year.
Joey - Scout of the Year
Jose is a dedicated Scout who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and service throughout his Scouting journey. He has held key positions such as Patrol Leader, Chaplain’s Aide, and Senior Patrol Leader, and has played an instrumental role in various troop service projects. His Eagle Scout Project focused on providing school supplies to students at his former school, Mesa Academy, where he surpassed his goal to support 50% of the student body. Jose’s commitment to service extends to his participation in projects like Produce on Wheels Without Waste and Feed My Starving Children.
Outside of Scouting, Jose excels academically with a 4.5 GPA, ranking in the top 4% of his class. He earned the State Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish and English and is actively involved in his school’s Diversity Club, National Honor Society, and A.P. Council, where he serves as Vice President. He also gives back to his community by volunteering at his church and school.
Jose’s leadership, commitment to service, and academic excellence make him a standout Scout and a positive influence in both his community and troop.
Bianca - Explorer of the Year
Bianca has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication since joining the Wellton Border Patrol Explorer Program. She led her team to success at the ExCon Competition in Las Vegas, securing second place in both the Officer Needs Assistance and Unknown Trouble scenarios, earning her a promotion to Explorer Supervisor. Bianca’s commitment to excellence is reflected in her numerous certifications, including Advanced First Aid and CPR, as well as her impressive performance at the Yuma County Law Enforcement Explorer Academy, where she earned the “Honor First Award” and received the Highest Academic Award with a 99% GPA. As Patrol Explorer in Charge, she continued to excel, leading her team at the Riverside Police Explorer Competition and earning multiple proficiency awards in emergency preparedness and drug abuse prevention. Beyond her Explorer achievements, Bianca is an Honor Roll student and aspires to serve her country in the United States Air Force, with the goal of becoming a Border Patrol Agent after completing her service.
Christopher - Scout of the Year
Chris has served as Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) for his troop for three consecutive years. Each year, when elections came around, he tried to pass the baton, but when no one stepped up, he volunteered to serve another term. His patience, kindness, trust, courage, and communication skills have earned him the respect and admiration of both his troop members and adult leaders. Chris understands that with the rights of citizenship come great responsibilities, and he actively participates in community activities.
In addition to his Scouting responsibilities, Chris serves at church as an acolyte and usher and leads his youth group on community service projects at food banks and on mission trips. This year, his group helped restore a church in Puerto Rico, and he also participated in a missionary trip to Jamaica. One of his favorite service projects with the troop is the Adopt-a-Street initiative, which focuses on cleaning up the area surrounding their meeting location.
Chris’s teamwork spirit shines at Feed My Starving Children, where he often leads groups of diverse individuals to package food for children in need around the world. His leadership and collaboration skills were further honed while staffing at summer camps at Camp Geronimo and during National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT). Chris’s dedication to his faith is also reflected in his completion of all four religious emblem workbooks, earning him the Four-Star Recipient award for the God and Me, God and Family, God and Church, and God and Life programs.
Elsa - Scout of the Year
Elsa embodies the values of Scouting through her dedication, enthusiasm, and remarkable spirit. From the moment she joined our troop, Elsa approached every challenge with a can-do attitude and a smile that lights up the room. Whether it’s mastering a knot or engaging in outdoor adventures, she inspires her fellow scouts through her energy and determination.
Elsa’s commitment to Scouting is influenced by her family—her father, a devoted Scout leader, and her older brother, an Eagle Scout, serve as her guiding stars. This familial inspiration drives her ambition to excel and represents her understanding of what Scouting is all about: growth and camaraderie.
Within her patrol, Elsa is known for her positivity and ability to balance fun with hard work. Her fellow scouts appreciate her approach, which fosters a supportive environment.
Elsa’s passion for Scouting extends beyond meetings. In the past five months, she has introduced five prospective scouts to our troop, demonstrating her belief in Scouting and desire to share it with others.
Elsa’s dedication, enthusiasm, and ability to inspire others make her a deserving candidate for the BSA Scout of the Year Award for Scout Spirit.
Conrad - Scout of the Year
Conrad has been an integral member of Troop 41, achieving Star rank and serving as Patrol Leader. His leadership is marked by his dedication to mentoring younger Scouts, whether it’s coaching knot-tying, teaching first aid, or assisting in Totin’ Chit instruction. His passion for Scouting is evident through his active participation in events such as Camporee, Camp Geronimo, and the Veteran’s Day parade, as well as volunteering his time and energy in more than 9 Eagle Scout projects and 100+ service hours at fundraising events like Greekfest. Conrad has earned over 20 merit badges, hiked the Grand Canyon, paddled the Verde River, found 83 geocaches, and completed ILST. He will attend NYLT this summer.
Beyond Scouting, Conrad has made meaningful contributions to his community, including volunteering at St. Mary’s Food Bank and providing first aid to classmates and Scouts in need. He rebuilt his school’s community garden and recently led the design and construction of a recycling center at FUMC, raising awareness about environmental stewardship. He also maintains straight “A” grades and is graduating as Junior Assembly-Gentleman. Conrad’s dedication to service is deeply inspired by his family’s legacy of military service, and he upholds those values through his teaching of flag-folding techniques and studying U.S. history focused on service above self.
Through his unwavering commitment to Scouting and service, Conrad exemplifies the ideals of leadership, citizenship, and dedication, making him a standout candidate for Scout of the Year.
Megan - Scout of the Year
Megan is a founding member of both Troop 3015 and the newly formed Crew 1910. She has made an impressive rise through the ranks, earning her Eagle Scout in under three years. She has served in multiple leadership roles, including Senior Patrol Leader, Troop Guide, and Order of the Arrow Representative, and is currently the secretary for Crew 1910.
In the past year, Megan completed her Eagle Scout project, building bridges for the Desert Foothills Land Trust at Spur Cross Recreation Area. Leading a team of 12 people, they completed 126 service hours. Megan has also volunteered at Ordeal weekends and served as Assistant Vice Chief for Camporee 2024 in the Order of the Arrow.
Alongside her Scouting achievements, Megan excels academically and athletically. As a senior ranked in the top ten of her class, she balances an academically rigorous schedule with participation in basketball, track, and cross-country. She is also a member of the National Honor Society, President of the Spanish Honor Society, and part of the Model UN club.
Jack - Cub Scout of the Year
Jack is a dedicated Bear Cub Scout who consistently embodies the core values of Scouting. His enthusiasm for the program is contagious, and he actively participates in den meetings, pack events, and camping trips, often taking the lead in organizing activities and supporting his peers.
Jack has a strong love for the outdoors, regularly engaging in hiking, camping, and fishing trips while practicing Leave No Trace principles and showing immense respect for nature.
His commitment to community service is truly commendable. Jack has volunteered in various community service projects, including organizing food drives, participating in park cleanups, and helping at local shelters. His natural leadership and sense of duty inspire others to get involved and make a positive impact on the community.
Maddie - Scout of the Year
Maddie’s dedication to Scouting is evident through her many accomplishments. As one of the original five founders of Troop 3014 and the first female to earn the AOL in Pack 178, she has been a driving force in her community. Maddie has earned 39 merit badges and recently received the National Outdoor Award for Camping. Her commitment to growth is shown through her staffing of NYLT, where she has served as Troop Guide, Senior Patrol Leader, and Assistant Youth Course Director.
Elected to the Order of the Arrow in April 2022, Maddie earned her Brotherhood in September 2023 and was later elected Vice Chief of her chapter. She will serve as Chapter Chief in 2025. She’s been active in facilitating OA elections and attended the 2024 G13W OA Conclave.
Outside of Scouting, Maddie excels in school and athletics. A three-year Varsity Cross Country runner and co-captain of the team, she also earned over 150 hours of community service in 2023-2024 through the Key Club. Maddie is dedicated to her academics, taking honors classes, and was inducted into the National Honor Society.
Introducing Our 2024 Scouts of the Year
These young leaders have demonstrated exceptional dedication, leadership, and a commitment to the values of Scouting. Join us in celebrating their accomplishments and get ready to be inspired by the incredible stories of Morgan Willis, Gideon Akaelue, Ryan Martin, Mayzie Richins, Vaughn Grosse, and Ella Miller.
Morgan - 2024 Scout Of the Year
Morgan Willis has been an avid Scout for nearly a decade. A founding member of BSA Troop 3030 since February 1, 2019, Morgan has achieved a Philmont Trek, multiple Sea Base Out Island Adventures, and the Paul Bunyan Award for Conservation at Camp Geronimo (2022). In troop leadership, she earned the Big G Gold as Senior Patrol Leader (2023) and led Troop 4245 during the 2023 Jamboree female contingent. Trained in Outdoor Ethics and Leave No Trace, Morgan also participated in National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) and National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience (NAYLE). Beyond Scouting, she excels in music, playing violin and double bass for the ASU Strings Project Youth Orchestra, and has academic and JROTC achievements.
Gideon - 2024 Scout of the Year
Gideon Akaelue is a Life Scout and Order of the Arrow member from Troop 653. From his early days as a Cub Scout to his current journey towards Eagle, Gideon embodies the Scout Oath and Law. Serving as Senior Patrol Leader at Camp Geronimo, Gideon displayed exceptional leadership by ensuring troop cleanliness, guiding new Scouts, and securing the coveted Big G Gold award. After his tenure, he willingly took on the role of Troop Guide, demonstrating his commitment to mentoring and providing leadership for new Scouts crossing over. Gideon’s consistent adherence to Scout principles makes him deserving of this award.
Mayzie - 2024 Scout of the Year
Mayzie Richins embodies servant leadership in Scouting, entering Scouts BSA with the inaugural girl cohort. Swiftly advancing to First Class within 18 months, Mayzie assumed leadership roles, including Senior Patrol Leader (SPL), inspiring her Troop 3050 peers. After her SPL tenure, she graciously took on the roles of Assistant SPL and Scribe, fostering an environment for other Scouts to refine their leadership styles. Attending the Council’s 2021 National Youth Leader Training (NYLT) session proved transformative, inspiring Mayzie to reprise her role as SPL for an additional year. Currently serving as 3050’s Junior Assistant Scoutmaster, she dedicates herself to coaching and teaching fellow Scouts wherever needed. As a diligent Life Scout, Mayzie diligently works towards completing her final Eagle requirements.
Ryan - 2024 Scout of the Year
Ryan Martin exemplifies Scouting’s mission to cultivate resilient servant leaders, having served in various leadership roles such as Troop Guide, Patrol Leader, ASPL, and SPL. Ryan was pivotal as the lead trainer for Troop Leadership Skills Training (ILST) and volunteered as a module trainer since 2020. His outstanding traits in Scouting include resiliency and unwavering commitment, persistently pursuing positions until he eventually secured every role he desired. As SPL in 2021, Ryan sought further challenges, attending NAYLE in West Virginia and returning as an instructor in 2022. He extended his impact by serving as Assistant Youth Course Leader for NYLT in Germany and, this year, in Japan. Achieving his Eagle rank in 2023, Ryan also led a 9-day Canoe Trip to the Minnesota Boundary Waters. Beyond Scouting, he applies his leadership skills in Basha High School’s JROTC program.
Ella - 2024 Scout of the Year
Ella Miller, a Life Scout since joining Troop 944 in Baltimore in 2019, seamlessly transitioned to Troop 3015 in Cave Creek after moving to Arizona in 2022. A model Scout, she combines intelligence, maturity, and physical fitness, actively participating in community service and excelling as a recruiter. As Troop 3015’s Senior Patrol Leader, Ella is dedicated to achieving her Eagle Scout rank while juggling responsibilities with school. Known for resourcefulness, financial acumen, and encouraging leadership, she embodies Scout values in and out of uniform, supported by her devoted Scout family.
Vaughn - 2024 Scout of the Year
Eagle Scout Vaughn Grosse has ascended to the role of Junior Assistant Scoutmaster with Troop 8051 and is a founding member and two-time President of Venturing Crew 8051. Serving as a dedicated recruiter, he actively mentors and leads both units. Vaughn actively participates in coordinating community service opportunities for Scout and Crew engagement. As a high-school senior pursuing the Law & Public Safety Career and Technical Education course, he aspires to become a Firefighter. On October 11th, 2023, Vaughn was notified that the National Court of Honor Committee approved him for the Heroism Award. Nominated for the Heart of Yuma’s Outstanding Youth Leader in 2020 and 2022 and receiving the Gila River District’s Scout of the Year Honorable Mention in March 2023, Vaughn’s dedication surpasses accolades, evident in his continuous and impactful actions.