Local Scout leaders honored at Netawotwes District meeting

Local Scout leaders were recognized at the monthly Netawotwes District Roundtable meeting held Dec. 11 at the First United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall in Dover. The meeting included 2025 Eagle recognitions and the presentation of the C. Bernard Myers Service Award.

Cathy Barnett and Virgil Schlabach were among four individuals honored with the C. Bernard Myers Service Award for outstanding leadership and long-term service to Scouting.

The award is presented in memory of C. Bernard Myers and recognizes adult leaders who have provided extended periods of exemplary service to Netawotwes District leaders and youth. Myers participated in Scouting for eight decades, earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 1923 and died in 2004. His daughter, Cindy Beans, assists with presenting the awards.

Barnett began her Scouting involvement as a den leader with Carrollton Pack 143 when her son, Kevin, joined Cub Scouts. Kevin later earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Barnett now enjoys attending summer camp with her grandsons and volunteering Friday nights at Seven Ranges Camp. She has served as a district trainer for Cub Scout leaders, a district commissioner and a member of the council Wood Badge staff. Her previous honors include the District Award of Merit, the Silver Beaver Award and fifth-year camp honors. She was escorted to the podium by her husband, John Barnett, a previous Myers Award recipient.

Schlabach began his Scouting career with Troop 142 in North Canton in the late 1970s and earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 1983. He returned to Scouting in 2005 when his son, Aaron, joined Cub Scouts and later achieved the rank of Eagle. As his son advanced to the troop level, Schlabach became an assistant scoutmaster and later served four years as scoutmaster after Mark Walters stepped down.

Schlabach has traveled twice to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, once as a Scout and once as a leader, and also attended Sea Base in the Florida Keys as a leader. He continues to serve on the Eagle Board of Review Committee and as an assistant scoutmaster, working with Eagle candidates for Carrollton Troop 141. His past service includes work with National Youth Leadership Training, serving as a Netawotwes District unit commissioner and assisting with district events. His honors include the Silver Beaver Award, District Award of Merit, Brotherhood in the Order of the Arrow, fifth-year Polar Bear and fifth-year Camp Honors Award. Walters, a former Myers Award recipient, escorted Schlabach to the podium and shared remarks about his Scouting service.