Two Campbell County leaders honored at annual Good Scout Dinner

By Derrick Lee Anderson

LAFOLLETTE, TN. (WLAF) -On Thursday night, the Ball Farm Event Center in LaFollette played host to the 17th Annual Boy Scouts of America Campbell County Good Scout Dinner, Campbell County’s premier recognition banquet, where a great crowd was on hand to witness all of the excitement. While a great crowd was on hand to witness all of the excitement, this event also supported local Campbell County area scouting in 2025 with the money raised.

This year’s program featured a great dinner by Classy Threads and Catering.

The opening and closing remarks were delivered by Brent McNeeley. 

The colors were presented by Troop 310 and Troup 435. 

Scout Morgan Alexander delivered the invocation. 

Dinner Chairman Logan Hickman also delivered remarks. 

Scout Makenzie Kibler delivered remarks for the Good of Scouting and shared from her heart about how scouting has impacted her life.

Alvin Nance, 2025 Mt. Cammerer Friends of Scouting Chair, shared more about Our Commitment. He noted that “scouting is successful when people get involved.” 

2001 Eagle Scout Justin Wilson delivered a special presentation to Claire Matherly.

David Williams shared about Campbell County’s iconic leaders.

And the event was capped off by an awards ceremony where two Campbell County area leaders, Rhonda Longmire and Tracy Powers, were honored by the Scouts for their services to the community as well as in their respective fields.

The Elbert K. Fretwell Outstanding Educator Award acknowledges exceptional service in education. This year’s recipient, Tracy Powers, became the 7th recipient of the Elbert K. Fretwell Outstanding Educator Award. Tracy is a former educator and Site Director at Roane State Community College whose success as an educator and administrator would not only change lives but would also become a witness to those who completed their education. 

The event featured a message by Dr. Chris Whaley, President of Roane State Community College, who shared from his heart about “A Scout Among Us.”

The Good Scout Award was presented by Randy Atkins, District Chair of the Great Smoky Mountains Council Mt. Cammerer District, and given to Rhonda Longmire, a long-time community banker. Rhonda began her banking career as a teller at First National Bank back in 1975 and would later go on to become a leader in the banking community. Her success in the banking community led her to various stops in her career including First Volunteer Bank as Retail Area Leader and Executive Vice President, and Market Senior Lender at Community Trust Bank.

John C. Maxwell once said, “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.”

For the people that attended this event, they not only had a great time; but they also celebrated two Campbell County area leaders who not only paved the way for this community; but also became successful in their respective fields.

(WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED 3/14/2025-6AM)