On July 30^th the Georgia Carolina Council will host their annual Distinguished Citizens Dinner to honor Life Scout Chris Shay with the Boy Scouts of America Honor Medal for Lifesaving, as well as recognize 13 local Emergency Services Personnel for their outstanding service to the community, specifically for the efforts leading to saving Kelly Shay from a December 2019 house-fire.

In December 2019, Life Scout Chris Shay arrived home to find it ablaze, he knew his sister was inside. He ran into the house and quickly decided he could not go upstairs safely. Calling 911 he set in motion the call to arms for the Columbia County Emergency teams to respond and rescue his sister Kelly from the fire. For his decisive action and sound judgement, the National Court of Honor of the Boy Scouts of America will present Chris with the Honor Medal. There are 3 levels of Honor Medals, Heroism Award, Honor Medal and Honor Medal with Crossed Palms. Less than 6,000 Honor Medals have been issued since 1920.

Columbia County Commissioner Doug Duncan will help present the awards and Dr. Shawn Fagan from the Burn Center at Doctor’s Hospital will be the keynote speaker.

Unlike previous Distinguished Citizens Dinner events hosted by the council, this year’s fundraising event will be broadcast live YouTube starting at 6:30 on July 30^th. There will be no audience at the event as we continue to honor Governor Kemp’s Executive Order, which has extended the COVID 19 Emergency Status until August 11^th.  

This major fundraising event is critical to the annual operating budget for the Georgia-Carolina Council and your participation can help us honor our First Responders, an outstanding young Life-Scout and raise money for the Boy Scouts of America in the CSRA. 

Visit www.gacacouncil.org/distcit to request an email reminder, as well as donate or pledge support to the Georgia-Carolina Council now. The direct link to watch the event will also be displayed on this page when we get closer to the event. 

The Georgia-Carolina Council has served youth in 16 counties in the Central Savannah River Area for 100 years. Past Recipients of the award include Ret Maj Gen Perry Smith, Ann Boardman and Hon Rick and Robin Allen.