A Scout is always prepared and ready for any situation while following the 12-point scout law. Their oath is to live honorably, serve others and develop strong character. Going by the qualities in the oath and law to choose the annual Good Scouter Award recipient, the choice for 2026 was clear.
The steering committee made up of leaders in the Jackson County community has chosen U.S. Representative Mike Ezell as this year’s honoree. He will be awarded at this year’s Good Scout Award Luncheon set for April 2 at the Grand Magnolia Ballroom in Pascagoula.
Johnny Pearson, the district executive for the singing river district of the Pine Burr Area Council, said the annual luncheon is a three-fold event to not only recognize the annual Good Scouter, but also to provide an annual update on local scouting activities and to raise funds for future activities.
“The Purpose of the Good Scout Award Luncheon is divided into 3 Parts,” Pearson said. “We will recognize someone in the community that lives by the scouting core principals, the Scout Oath and Scout Law, give an update and highlights of what Scouting has done over the last year, and it is our annual fundraiser.”
Pearson said the criteria for the choosing the annual honoree is it must be someone that has made an impact in the community, they live by the Scout Oath and also the 12 points of the Scout Law.
Congressman Ezell said the lessons learned through Scouting have helped shape his commitment to serving others in the community. His past experiences have included those as a police officer and the Jackson County Sheriff, among other things.
“I am honored to receive the Good Scout Award, which recognizes individuals who strive to live by the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law,” Ezell said. “As a Cub Scout growing up, I learned early on the importance of service, leadership, and doing what is right, even when no one is watching.
The Singing River Area covers 17 counties in South Mississippi, and all funds raised at the event will remain in south Mississippi. Pearson said there are more than 400 Scouters in Jackson County within the seven Cub Scout Packs and 9 Scout Troops.
“I’m grateful for the work Scouts and their leaders continue to do to mentor young people and build strong character in the next generation,” Ezell added. “It is truly an honor to support and be recognized by an organization that has meant so much to me.”
It is said that “once a Scout, always a Scout” and that is certainly true of Pearson. He achieved the rank of Eagle in November 1995, as a member of Troop 212 in Biloxi. Today he is the Cubmaster with Pack 555 in Gautier and assistant scoutmaster with Troop 229 in St. Martin.
“I’m still a Scout,” Pearson said. “I believe in Scouting because we are trying to make a difference in our youth. We are trying to instill ethics and morals by understanding the Scout Oath and Law while introducing kids to the outdoors.”
The underlying goal is to help today’s youth to discover the world behind the device that is always in their face and to assist them with facing different challenges that are out of their control.
“You know the old saying ‘It Takes a Village to Raise our Children’, well, we want to be part of that village,” Pearson said. “We want your children to learn, experience and try the outdoors they never thought was possible.”
And this year the village recognizes Rep. Ezell who emulates the scout oath and law through his professional and personal actions in the community, state and country. Although he didn’t raise in the ranks of Scouting, he did build a foundation of service to others through Cub Scouts.
“The future goal of Scouting is simple—Growth! Pearson said the Singing River District is planning to develop new opportunities by establishing Venture Crews, Explorer Posts and Sea Scouts. That venture includes growing its volunteer base as well,” Ezwell shared.
“We are always looking for volunteers or organizations that provide a skill to help spread their knowledge,” he said. “We are also always looking for leaders for a Venture Crew.”
Venture Crews are for teenagers ages 14-21 who want to explore, travel, and experience high adventure activities. Sea Scouts are for teenagers ages14-21 as well that have interests in maritime careers, seamanship, and service. The Explorer Post is a career education initiative of BSA that serves young men and women ages 14 to 20. It focuses on career exploration through real-life, hands-on experiences with professionals in specific career fields.
“Explorer posts are almost like and internship that begins a journey into understanding specific jobs and careers,” Pearson said.
Donations to support Scouting may be done through the Pine Burr Area Council website at www.pineburrscouts.org. To volunteer, Pearson said to contact him directly at [email protected].
