MARION, IL – Scouting America, formerly the Boy Scouts of America, has recognized Pepsi MidAmerica Chairman and CEO Harry L. Crisp II as an Emeritus Guardian Member Award recipient for more than 60 years of dedicated service to Scouting. The award was presented Monday, September 15, by Joseph Sadewasser, Scout Executive/CEO, and Dr. Ken Dobbins, former Southeast Missouri State University President.

Mr. Crisp’s journey with Scouting began as a teenager when he joined the Boy Scouts. In the 1960s, he became a board member of the Egyptian District Council. Following the 1994 merger of the council with the Greater St. Louis Area Council, where he has continued his service to Scouting.

“Mr. Crisp has been an invaluable member by being able to bring a different perspective to the board through his servant perspective,” said Joseph Sadewasser. “He truly lives by the Scouting Oath—Duty to God and Duty to Country.”

Dr. Dobbins added, “I’ve known Harry L. for a lot of years and helping people is what he does best.”

The Greater St. Louis Area Council currently serves 30,000 Scouts with the support of more than 8,000 volunteers. Among Mr. Crisp’s most meaningful memories in Scouting is attending his son Lee Crisp’s Eagle Scout Ceremony with his late wife, Rosemary. “It meant so much to me and my wife, and it was impressive,”  Only 4% of Scouts achieve the rank of Eagle Scout.

Reflecting on Scouting today, Mr. Crisp said: “The needs haven’t changed, only the challenges. Today’s youth encounter pressures we could never have imagined years ago. This is why Scouting must continue to stand with communities and provide the guidance, and values kids need to succeed.”

As he approaches his 90th birthday, Mr. Crisp remains deeply committed to serving communities, something he has lived out personally, professionally, and through his decades-long dedication to Scouting.