Carleton-Willard Residents Receive Boy Scout Norman Rockwell Award

March 11, 2010

On March 11th, Bedford Boy Scout Troop 194 presented three Carleton-Willard residents with the Norman Rockwell Award in recognition of their commitment to the scouting program and their support of the local troop. Scoutmaster John “O.C.” O’Connor presented the award Graff, Shea Smith and Bob Sawyer, citing their contributions to the troop over the years as Merit Badge Counselors, helping fifteen members of the Troop earn such badges as Crime Prevention, Cycling, Computers, Winter Sports, and American Business.

The annual award is named for Norman Rockwell, one of America’s best known artists. Although never a Boy Scout himself, the scouting magazine Boy’s Life gave Rockwell his first job. As his fame grew, including 47 years of covers for The Saturday Evening Post, Rockwell’s love for the Boy Scouts grew as well. He became a visual spokesman for the Boy Scouts, illustrating through his much-loved paintings traits such as honesty, friendship, courage, and loyalty that are the trademarks of scouting. The award also recognizes Rockwell’s regional ties – he made his home in Stockbridge, in western Massachusetts.

“The contributions of Messrs. Graff, Sawyer and Shea are a perfect match for what this award stands for,” said Scoutmaster O’Connor in presenting the award. “These gentlemen have influenced the lives and development of our scouts, providing direction, knowledge, encouragement and a sharing of experiences.” It was also an afternoon of surprises, as Assistant Scout Master David Vafiades was brought forward to help present the award to Bob Sawyer. Years ago, Vafiades was a Boy Scout in the Lexington troop for which Sawyer himself served as Scout Master. In turn, O’Connor was delighted to learn that a niece of Norman Rockwell is a current resident at Carleton-Willard Village.