Denver Stufflebeam named 2024 Scouter of the Year
Denver Stufflebeam of Orrville was honored as the 2024 Scouter of the Year at the Killbuck District Recognition Dinner on March 21.
Denver Stufflebeam of Orrville was honored as the 2024 Scouter of the Year at the Killbuck District Recognition Dinner on March 21. A total of 78 Scouts and adult Scout leaders were in attendance at First Presbyterian Church in Wooster for the annual Scouting celebration event.
Stufflebeam grew up in Orrville, where he was involved in Troops 112 and 113. He has been an adult volunteer in Scouting for over 40 years. He has helped Troop 922 in Dalton and Pack 830 and Troop 60 of Orrville, serving as assistant Scoutmaster, committee chair and chartered organization representative. He served the Killbuck District as assistant district commissioner, an Eagle adviser and a merit badge counselor.
A nationally known woodcarver, Stufflebeam has taught knife safety to hundreds of Scouts and Scouters. He has served Buckeye Council as a member of the properties and camping committees. He served on the staff of several National Jamborees and volunteers as a campmaster at Seven Ranges Scout Reservation and Camp Tuscazoar. He completed his Wood Badge training and is a Vigil member of Order of the Arrow. Stufflebeam received the Ray Zeigman Award, the District Award of Merit and the Council Silver Beaver award.
Stufflebeam has been active in the Orrville community as a Soap Box Derby trustee, working on the chain gang at Orrville football games for over 30 years and serving as the director of the Orrville Men’s Bowling Association. He and his wife Wanette live in Orrville and are the parents of Kevin and Jennifer.
Orthopedic surgeon James W. Gesler, MD, an Eagle Scout and former summer camp staffer, was the guest speaker.
A dozen Scouts from Wayne and Holmes counties who earned the rank of Eagle in 2023 were recognized: Daniel Baird, Troop 355, Holmesville; Shane Bender, Troop 71, Shreve; Mason Dye, Troop 71, Shreve; Zane Kota, Troop 71, Shreve; Drew Lindeman, Troop 61, Wooster; Sawyer Lingenfelter, Troop 71, Shreve; George Malicky, Troop 358, Millersburg; Tyler Massoni, Troop 68, Wooster; Daniel Proano, Troop 61, Wooster; Jack Ritchie, Troop 63, Wooster; Culver Sidel, Troop 71, Shreve; and Gavin VanZile, Troop 71, Shreve.
In addition, the following adult awards were presented:
—Distinguished Commissioner Service: Samuel Schleappi, Wooster.
—Akela Award: Heather Schafer, Shreve.
—Outstanding Den Leaders: Rusty Knopp, Wooster, and April Ports Fishburn, Wooster.
—Killbuck Award: Brodie DeHass, Millersburg.
—Ray Zeigman Award: Mark Gooch, Wooster.
—District Award of Merit: Rob Cunningham, Wooster.