Theresea Poirier of Augusta on May 18 received the District Award of Merit, the highest award a local Scouting district can bestow on a volunteer, according to a news release from Chuck Mahaleris, district vice chairman for Kennebec Valley District of Scouting.

The District Award of Merit is a council award presented by Scouting districts in the same manner that the Silver Beaver is a national award presented by Scouting councils. The award is available to Scouters who render service of an outstanding nature at the district level.

The award was presented to Poirier at the Augusta Armory by Kennebec Valley District Advancement Chair Luanne Chesley of Vassalboro.

Poirier is registered in Scouting as the Chartered Organization Representative, where she serves as the voice of St. Michael’s Parish with their Scouting pack and troop, and helps organize the annual Scout Sunday Mass at St. Augustine and St. Mary. She has served as den leader, committee member, and on Camp Bomazeen staff. She has helped during Klondike Derbies, Haunted Woods, Pinewood derbies and camporees.

In March, Poirier organized a Scouting information booth at the Camping and RV Show at the Augusta Civic Center. And when other groups such as the Augusta Elks need Scouts for Flag Day ceremonies, when the Legion is looking for Cubs to help place flags on the graves of veterans, or when Honor Flight has veterans returning from Washington, D.C., Poirier is there to make sure youth show up and respectfully honor the nation and its heroes.

“Her excitement to see these events succeed is infectious,” said Augusta Troop 631 Scoutmaster Russell Cahn. “Her local knowledge and extensive contact list, not to mention her cheery disposition, has resulted in tremendous community support for events, and has allowed several of them to come in significantly under budget. It seems wherever you go, you will find Theresea ready to work, smiling and having a great time.”

Camp Bomazeen Camp Director Julie McKenney of Belgrade agreed. “She puts other people first. She comes up with great ideas and she is always ready to jump in and help make those ideas a reality.”

Poirier’s son Connor added that “Mom has always been active in Scouting with me both in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. She keeps me on track and encourages me.”

Poirier said, “I love to see the Cubbies’ faces when they do things they have never done before. I love seeing the kids doing things outdoors. Scouting is important because it opens up new opportunities for kids to do things that they might not do otherwise. They make new friends at each event.”