About
The Dan Beard Eagle Scout Association (ESA) is a group of Eagle Scouts who live, work, and play in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. We are also the Council’s National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) Committee, though you need not be a member of NESA to be a member of the Dan Beard ESA. There are thousands of Eagles throughout the tri-state area. Some are homegrown and others earned their Eagle elsewhere. All are welcome in this association and are encouraged to join us as we work to ensure a quality experience for the next generation of Scouts.
Mission
The mission of the Dan Beard ESA is to inspire Eagle Scouts to celebrate their accomplishments, compassions, and convictions through social interaction, community service, and Scouting enrichment.
Vision
The vision of the Dan Beard ESA is to inspire new generations of leaders, humanitarians, and visionaries through their life-long commitment to Scouting.
National Eagle Scout Association
The National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) exists to serve Eagle Scouts and, through them, the entire movement of Scouting. NESA delivers on its mission through national-level scholarships, as well as networking opportunities via the members section of their website. You do not have to be a member of NESA to be a member of Dan Beard ESA, or to participate in local Activities, but we do encourage all Eagles to consider joining NESA as well.
Information Coming Soon!
ESA Awards and Recognition
Several awards are available at both the local Dan Beard Council (DBC) and national levels. Please review the details for each award regarding nomination processes, due dates, and presentation events.
Eagle Scouts Service Project of the Year
The National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) established the Glenn A. and Melinda W. Adams National Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year Award (ESSPY) to recognize valuable service of an exceptional nature by an Eagle Scout candidate to a religious institution, school, community, or other entity through completion of an Eagle Scout project.
Selection of recipients begins at the local level and is conducted through the Dan Beard Eagle Scout Association (ESA) committee. The Dan Beard ESA selects a recipient for Dan Beard Council (DBC) from the list of submitted nominations and then forwards the candidate for consideration to NESA’s National Service Territory.
“Territory” ESSPY recipients are selected by each Council’s territory NESA scholarship committee. Territory recipients receive $300 available for their future educational purposes, or to attend a national or international Scouting event or activity.
The recipient of the national award is then selected from among territory recipients by a special selection committee of the National Eagle Scout Association. National recipients receive $3,500, available for their future educational purposes, or to attend a national or international Scouting event or activity.
Eligibility
- An Eagle Scout, the parents, or any registered Scouting America volunteer (with the Eagle Scout’s permission) may submit Eagle Scout service projects to the Dan Beard ESA committee for consideration.
- The Eagle Scout must have passed their Eagle Board of Review between 1/01/2025 and 12/31/2025.
- The nomination form and required attachments must be submitted to the Dan Beard ESA on or before 11:59 pm on 1/11/2026. Example: An Eagle Scout who completed an Eagle Board of Review in 2024, must have their nomination submitted by 1/11/2026.
Evaluation Criterion
- Project planning required.
- Effort to develop the project, taking into account challenges overcome by the Scout such as disability or limited financial capacity for the Scout/Scout family.
- Extent and character of leadership provided by the Scout.
- Extent of achievement of the planned result, including changes or modifications required to complete the project.
- Project’s impact on the beneficiary and/or on the community at large.
- Did the project create a “leverage opportunity” where it inspires others to expand the scope of the project.
- Originality of the project.
- Scope of the work.
- Time and materials contributed.
- Level of skill employed to complete the project.
Nomination Process
- An Eagle Scout, the parents, or any registered Scouting America volunteer (with the Eagle Scout’s permission) must download the ESSPY Nomination Form (2025 revision) and complete the required information. Please note the following information to be included on the form: in the “COUNCIL INFORMATION” section:
National Service Territory #: 9
Council #: 438
Council Name: Dan Beard Council - For the “PROJECT SUMMARY VIDEO” section of the nomination form, “It is strongly recommended that the Scout record a short video that can be part of this nomination form that is between 3-5 minutes, tells the story of their Eagle Scout Service Project and describes the impact on their community as well as themselves. The video file format must be MP4, WMV, or MOV. It should be uploaded to a cloud-based storage site (such as Google Drive or Dropbox) with permission to download and the link should be provided below. Please use a short URL if possible.”
- Once the nomination form has been completed, it should be submitted electronically with a complete PDF copy of the Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook (previously submitted by the Scout to the Eagle Board of Review committee) to the Dan Beard ESA using the button below.
Presentation
The recipient of the DBC Eagle Project of the Year Award will be honored at the annual DBC Eagle Court of Honor ceremony.
Past Eagle Scout Project of the Year Recipients
Read More
Sam Chapman of Troop 135 is awarded the Dan Beard Council Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year for 2024. His project was creating a e-sports room for the Wyler Boys and Girls Club. After asking the kids what they most wanted at the Club, he designed and arranged a useful area out of a very narrow available room. He designed and built narrow tables to best use the space, then acquired Xbox consoles and controllers, gaming chairs, headsets, and monitors for about 10 stations. The room was redecorated, with new paint, lighting, posters, and logos. He finally started and organized an e-sports team within the club for various competitions and provided over $1,000 in excess donations to future maintenance and upkeep. The team has now become one of the most popular activities for the kids attending the Club. This is truly a fantastic project that demonstrated a significant amount of leadership and planning.Read More
Jack C. Garrison of Troop 741 in Owensville, Ohio (East Fork District) earned the Dan Beard Council Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year for 2023. Centrally located on the three-school campus for the Batavia Local Schools Bulldogs, “The Dawg Park” was designed to provide students and staff with a space for relaxation and stress relief. Half of the park features various yard games for those who prefer social interaction, while the other half offers chairs and benches for solitary reflection. The park also serves as a space for counseling sessions. The project aligns with the schools’ initiatives to address mental health issues, recognizing that stress is a significant factor to those issues. “The Dawg Park” aims to foster connections among peers, while offering a serene environment to support mental health.Read More
Jacob A. Hams is the Dan Beard Council Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year award recipient for 2022. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout on 8/02/2022, after completing his Eagle Scout Service Project that made substantial improvements to the trail system at Camp Wesley, a United Methodist Church Camp. Jacob led a group of volunteers to clear all existing trails within the camp, established two new trail segments, designed, and installed 13 new trail info kiosks, and updated trail markers throughout the camp. He overcame challenges in volunteer scheduling for the numerous phases of work, as well as increases in scope to complete the trail and kiosk updates. He has left a lasting legacy to help future visitors more easily enjoy the Camp Wesley trail system.
Eagle Scout Scholarship
The Dan Beard Council (DBC) awards one or more scholarships to Eagle Scouts each year to recognize excellence in Scouting. The scholarship application process is administered by the Dan Beard Eagle Scout Association (ESA). The recipient(s) will be recognized at an appropriate event.
Eligibility
- Be an Eagle Scout and have received credentials from the National Council.
- Be a graduating high school senior or an undergraduate college student who is not currently in their senior college year.
- Submit: High school transcript and ACT/SAT test scores.
- Submit a scholarship application by the deadline.
- Provide one signed recommendation from a volunteer or Scout Leader. This is the only endorsement required and accepted.
- Have demonstrated leadership in Scouting and have a strong record of participation in activities outside of Scouting.
- The applicant must have received the Eagle Award in a troop registered in the Dan Beard Council (DBC) or have been active in the Dan Beard Council for the past two years.
- The selection committee may (if necessary) conduct interviews of the finalists.
Application Process
- The Eagle Scout applying for a scholarship must personally complete the application.
- Complete the official scholarship application and enclose only the items requested in the requirements. Additional pages will not be considered.
- Answer all questions as fully as possible.
- Directly type all responses into the application file. The application should not exceed four pages in length.
- When finished, the application must be submitted by email to sheri.greenlee@scouting.org.
- Submission Deadline: March 31, 2026
- Applications submitted by the deadline will be considered. You will receive an email notification when your application is received.
- Applications become the property of the selection committee and will not be returned.
- Submitting an application does not guarantee a scholarship will be granted. The decision of the committee is final.
Dan Beard ESA Ascending Eagle Award
Eagle Scouts are everywhere. They are doctors, teachers, lawyers, students, athletes, and more. One thing that all Eagle Scouts have in common is the importance of making a difference in their communities. The Eagle Scout Association would like to recognize young Eagle Scouts in an annual Class of Ascending Eagles, showcasing their inspiring stories.
Eligibility
- You can nominate yourself or another Eagle Scout.
- The nominee must be thirty-five years old or younger as of 4/30/2026.
- The nominee should either live within the Dan Beard Council service area and/or have earned the award while living within the Council.
- Describe how, in your opinion, the nominee has soared above the true ideals of being an Eagle Scout. Such descriptions can include how the nominee has applied the lessons learned in Scouting to his/her career, education, community service, etc.
Selection
The Dan Beard Eagle Scout Association Awards Committee will select the Ascending Eagles from the nominations submitted between the previous year’s deadline and the current year’s deadline. The award(s) will be presented at an appropriate event that will be separately communicated.
Nomination Process
Nominations are to be submitted using the online form prior to the deadline date.
Submission Deadline: April 30, 2026
Dan Beard ESA Scoutmaster Award
The Dan Beard Eagle Scout Association recognizes Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters who have provided opportunity, experience, leadership, and guidance in advancing our youth to Eagle Scouts. The Dan Beard ESA Scoutmaster Award was created to recognize the influence that these Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters have shown in being mentors and role models to the youth of the Dan Beard Council.
Eligibility
- Nominee need not be an Eagle Scout.
- Be currently registered as a Scoutmaster or an Assistant Scoutmaster*, or have been a Scoutmaster or an Assistant Scoutmaster*, with registration that ended no more than three years ago (i.e., March 31st two years ago to present).
- Was the Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmaster* of a troop when one or more youth achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in DBC.
- Provided for the development of youth leadership within the troop.
- Projected a positive image of Scouting in the community.
Note: Nomination for an Assistant Scoutmaster must be submitted by the Scoutmaster.
Nomination Process
Submit nomination using the online form before the submission deadline date.
Submission Deadline: April 30, 2026
Selection
The Dan Beard ESA Scoutmaster Award recipient(s) will be selected by the Dan Beard ESA Committee from the nominations submitted during the CURRENT year only. The award(s) will be presented at an appropriate event that will be communicated separately.
Past ESA Scoutmaster Recipients
2023
- Ronald L. Bacu | Troop 1974
- Derek Easton | Troop 221
- Craig Kinsman | Troop 482
- LeDon McClellan | Troop 772
- Dan Saxby | Troop 674
- Michael Wages | Troop 51
2022
- Jim Hunter | Troop 802
- Steve Scott | Troop 701
- Wayne Stevenson | Troop 456
2021/2020
- Michael Rechel | Troop 107
- Mark Barth | Troop 239
- Gary Banfield | Troop 502
- Thomas Hale | Troop 354
- Daniel Ogilve | Troop 850
- Eric Saddler | Troop 974
- James Carrol | Troop 640
2019
- Steve Baumgardner | Troop 500
- Jerry Valentour | Troop 293
2018
- Mark Duff | Troop 452
- Gene O’Rourke | Troop 112
- Joe Schneider | Troop 420D
Outstanding Eagle Scout Award
The National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) established the Outstanding Eagle Scout Award during the 100th Anniversary of Scouting America in 2010.
Popularly known by its acronym, “NOESA,” the award recognizes Eagle Scouts notable for their local, state, regional, or national distinguished service who do not yet meet more stringent nomination requirements for the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award (DESA).
Candidates for the NOESA have inspired others through their positive actions reflected by recognized accomplishments and devotion to their profession, hobby, community, and beliefs. Previous recipients include authors, explorers, television personalities, military flag officers, scientists, medical doctors, government officials, prominent business people, and entrepreneurs. Nominations are determined by the local council NESA committee, Scout Executive, and council president. In rare cases, the National NESA Committee may originate nominations.
Each recipient’s record of service and accomplishments should elevate the public stature and reputation of Eagle Scouts.
Eligibility
- The nominee must be an Eagle Scout in good standing with Scouting America and must either be registered with or have their primary residence within the boundaries of the nominating council.
- There is no specific timeline required to qualify for this award after earning the Eagle Rank. Therefore, in extremely rare cases, it is possible that a truly outstanding youth, such as an Olympic athlete, may be eligible for selection.
- The nominating council should retain details regarding actions and accomplishments that led to the nominee’s consideration for the award.
Nomination Process
- Download the Outstanding Eagle Scout Award nomination form and fill it out with all required information.
- Once the nomination form has been completed, it should be submitted to the Dan Beard ESA either electronically or send to:
Dan Beard Eagle Scout Association
Attention: Awards (NOESA)
10078 Reading Road
Cincinnati, OH 45241
Submission Deadline: April 30, 2026
Past Outstanding Eagle Scout Recipients
Read More
2023- Charlie Garrison | Text
- George Glover | Text
- Douglas Watts | Text
- Andrew Zahn | Scout Executive & Ceo, Dan Beard Council
- Wayne Kalkwarf | Longtime Scouter and retired employee of the Federal Judiciary
- Beryl Love | Editor of the Cincinnati Enquirer, Gannett’s VP of News, and Regional Editor for the USA Today Network
- John Morris Russell | Serves as the conductor of the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Windsor Symphony Orchestra
- Doug Siebenburgen | The “Scoutiest of Scouters” and owner of Apple Spice
- Jon Robert Beeson | Retired Executive with Procter & Gamble; Past Council Commissioner
- Donald B. Bush | Retired Cincinnati Managing Partner of PricewaterhouseCoopers; Past Council Board Chair
- Mike Schneider | Chief People Officer at Baker Concrete Construction; Longtime Council Board Member
- Charles F. Hertlein, Jr. | Retired Partner, Dinsmore & Shohl; Longtime Council Board Member
- John F. Poston III | Retired Executive with AT&T; 80+ year Scouting Veteran
- John S. Stith | Partner at Porter, Wright, Morris & Arthur; Longtime Council Board Member
- Jason Combs | VP at the E.W. Scripps Company
- William Rachford, Jr. | Mayor of Alexandria, Kentucky
- Edgar L. Smith, Jr. | Chairman & CEO of WorldPac Paper
- Robert (Bob) Taylor | National Audit Practice Leader and Partnership Board Member at Grant Thornton
- Doug Bolton | Market Leader of Cushman & Wakefield
- Colin Groth | Director of Innovation and Improvement at StriveTogether
- George Carl Lude | Longtime Scouter
- Dave Olmstead | Founder of Behind the Scenes Productions
- Matt Scherocman | President of Interlink Cloud Advisors
- Paul Alexander | Offensive Line Coach and Assistant Head Coach of Cincinnati Bengals
- William B. Cyr | CEO of Sunny Delight
- Joseph T. Schneider | Founder of Spirit Seminars
- Rob Braun | Anchor of Local 12 News
- Joe Combs | Principal Consultant with Systems Evolution Inc.
- John A. Kraeutler | CEO of Meridian Bioscience
Distinguished Eagle Scout Award
The Distinguished Eagle Scout Award (DESA) was established in 1969 by the National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) to recognize Eagle Scouts who achieve extraordinary national-level recognition, fame, or eminence within their profession and/or service to the nation and have a strong record of voluntary service to their community.
The DESA is thus NESA’s highest honor for Eagle Scouts.
Stringent criteria begin with a minimum of 25 years “Time in Service” from the official record date an Eagle rank was earned. That requirement was determined by the average time most nominees need to establish a career, earn peer recognition, awards, fame/eminence, and other factors that are considered for DESA selection.
A committee comprised of Distinguished Eagle Scouts carefully reviews all nominations and determines selections. When time permits, the committee may provide feedback on nominations that may receive further, future consideration.
Eligibility
- Nominees must have earned the Eagle Scout rank through Scouting America at least 25 years prior to submission.
- The nomination must state specific reasons with supporting facts, such as how the nominee has received extraordinary national-level recognition, fame, or eminence within a specific profession.
- A nominee should also have a strong record of voluntary service to his community. Such service is concurrent to a distinguished career, not in place of one.
- Service to Scouting is not required.
Nomination Process
Download the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award nomination form and fill it out with all required information.
Once the nomination form has been completed, it should be submitted to the Dan Beard ESA either electronically or send to:
Dan Beard Eagle Scout Association
Attention: Awards (DESA)
10078 Reading Road
Cincinnati, OH 45241Submission Deadline: June 30, 2026
Distinguished Eagle Scout Recipients with Ties to Dan Beard Council
- Neil Armstrong | Naval Aviator, Astronaut, and Engineering Professor
- David Dillon | CEO of Kroger
- John Dolibois | Nuremberg Interregator, US Ambassador to Luxemborg
- William Kagler | Kroger Executive, CEO of Skyline Chili
- Jack Kraeutler | CEO of Meridian Bioscience
- Bruce MacMillan | Surgeon, Chief of Staff at Cincinnati Shriner’s Burn Institute
- Howard Morgens | CEO of Procter & Gamble
- Donald Purcell | Executive with Safeco Insurance and Great American Insurance Company
- Hal Shevers | Founder of Sporty’s Family of Aviation Businesses
- Edgar L. Smith, Jr. | CEO of WorldPac Paper
- Dennis Sullivan | CFO of Cincinnati Bell
- Robert (Bob) Taylor | National Audit Practice Leader and Partnership Board Member at Grant Thornton
NESA Silver Wreath Award
In the mid-1970s, the National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) committee established the NESA Silver Wreath Award for service to NESA. Local Councils with active NESA Committees may recognize individual leadership and/or service by committee members via the Silver Wreath Award. The award was suspended in the 1980s and reinstated in late 2023.
Eligibility
- Nominees must be a member in good standing of NESA for at least two years.
- Nominee(s) must actively participate in NESA activities at the time of nomination.
- Each Council NESA Committee may nominate two awards per calendar year.
- Where one of the Key Three is nominated the other two members must approve. No more that one of the Key Three can be nominated in a calendar year and in such cases, the individual considered from among the Key Three cannot take part in the selection process.
- The NESA Committee may also use discretion to independently select and approve two awards per sub-committee to recognize NESA activity/service that extends beyond the local Council NESA Committee, such as within territory, and/or national levels. The National NESA Committee may also grant this award upon approval of the NESA President and does not count towards the Council allotment of Silver Wreath of the year awards.
- Nominees may earn the NESA Silver Wreath Award one time only.
- The Silver Wreath may not be granted posthumously.
Nomination Process
Download the NESA Silver Wreath Award nomination form and complete all of the required information.
Two supporting letters (maximum of 2) or recommendations may be attached not to exceed one page. Supporting letters are accepted electronically and should provide supporting evidence of worthiness to be honored with the NESA Silver Wreath Award recognition; not just personal recommendations, endorsements, or recapitulation of the nomination.
Once the nomination form has been completed, it should be submitted electronically to Daniel Saxby before the nomintion deadline date. DO NOT SEND IT TO THE LOCATION LISTED ON THE OFFICIAL NOMINATION FORM.
Nomination deadline: April 15, 2026
National Eagle Scout Association Silver Wreath Recipients
- Jason Kramb | 2024
- Matt Scherocman | 2024
- Wayne Kalkwarf | 2025
NESA Distinguished Service Award
The purpose of the National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) Distinguished Service Award (DSA) is to recognize those who have given a lifetime of extraordinary leadership and service nationally to NESA, resulting in a significant impact on a national or territorial level. It is awarded for dedicated service over a sustained period of years to NESA, promotion of Eagle Scouting, staying active or returning to Scouting, and/or promoting/helping young people earning the rank of Eagle Scouts. Awards are limited in number and are normally presented during Scouting America’s Annual National Meeting. Unused quotas may not be rolled over to later years.
In 1976 NESA created this award for service to NESA, which resulted in 25 honorees between 1976 and 1989, after which time the National NESA committee was substantially reorganized. This resulted in the suspension of the award until its reintroduction in 2020. Nationally, there has been an outpouring of support to reinstate the award to better recognize those Leaders (Volunteer and Professional) that further NESA and the Eagle Scout Award, nationally.
Recipients will receive a medal, lapel pin, and device worn on Eagle Scout knot (provided by NESA).
Eligibility
- Nominee must be an Eagle Scout.
- Nominee must be a current and/or lifetime member of NESA.
- Nominee must have:
- Demonstrated impactful leadership and/or service to NESA at a national or regional territory levels over a period of years.
- Provided specific, significant impact to NESA’s image, reputation, membership, and effectiveness.
- Approval by the Dan Beard Council (DBC) Eagle Scout Association (ESA) Chair and/or DBC Scout Executive is required.
Nomination Process
Download the NESA Distinguished Service Award nomination form and complete all required information in the form.
A maximum of two supporting letters may be attached (250 words or less). Effective letters provide additional, first-hand information rather than simple personal endorsements or data already stated in the narrative nomination.
Once the nomination form has been completed, it should be submitted electronically to the Dan Beard Council ESA for review and approval using the button below. DO NOT SEND IT TO THE EMAIL ADDRESS LISTED ON THE NOMINATION FORM!
Submission Deadline: June 30th
How can I request a replacement eagle scout card?
There are a couple of options to request a replacement Eagle Scout card:
- Order from the Scout Shop
- Contact the front desk at the Dan Beard Council Scout Achievement Center
Can I oin the DBC Eagle Scout Association if I have not earned eagle scout rank but have earned the venturing summit award and/or sea scout quartermaster award?
No, unfortunately not. The National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) charter only allows for Eagle Scouts to join NESA or any of the local NESA chapters such as the Dan Beard Council ESA. However, the ESA recommends that all Eagle Scouts and recipients of the Venturing Summit Award and/or Sea Scout Quartermaster Award join the American chapter of the Association of Top Achiever Scouts (ATAS-USA).
Contact the Dan Beard Eagle Scout Association
Join the Dan Beard Eagle Scout Association
Joining the Dan Beard Eagle Scout Association (ESA) is simple. Just submit the form below and you’re in!
Please note the following:
- You do not have to be a member of the National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) to be a member of the Dan Beard ESA or to participate in local Activities, but we do encourage all Eagles to consider joining NESA as well.
There are no fees or dues to join to the Dan Beard ESA, although donations to any of the current DBC Giving Appeals are most welcome. - Our primary communication channel is our email newsletter list. Subscribers to this list receive periodic newsletters and announcements of upcoming activities a couple times a month. Your contact information will not be sold or redistributed and you can opt-out at any time.
