WATERVILLE — Scoutmaster Shelley Connolly, the featured topic presenter April 13 at the monthly Kennebec Valley District Scout Leader Roundtable, received the Kennebec Valley District Award of Merit.

It is the highest award a local Scouting district can bestow upon a volunteer, according to a news release from Chuck Mahaleris, district vice chairman for Kennebec Valley District of Scouting.

Connolly, of Pittsfield, has served as Scoutmaster, Venture Crew adviser, Unit Committee chair, den leader, Webelos leader, Chartered Organization representative, and District Merit Badge Counselor coordinator. She is also the mother of an Eagle Scout.

The award, which can be presented to two Scouting leaders within a district territory annually, is given to a Scouter who has demonstrated an outstanding level of service to the district. They are nominated by one of their fellow Scouting leaders and selected by other Scouting leaders.

“It is wonderful to see Shelley receiving this award,” Kennebec Valley District Vice Chair Bruce Rueger said. “Scouting only happens because of dedicated volunteers like Shelley.”

“Scouting means opportunity,” Connolly said. “The program provides an opportunity for youth to experience a well-rounded education where they develop their sense of purpose, duty, patriotism and their ability to work collaboratively with their peers and community.”

Connolly attended the roundtable to instruct leaders from the greater Skowhegan, Waterville and Augusta areas on how to access and update Scouting records online. Connolly plans in May to coordinate the annual Spring Camporee, which will be held at the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine location in Augusta.

“I do it because our youth need it and it’s rewarding to see them grow and develop deeper connections with their family and community,” said Connolly.

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