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Celebrating Excellence: 2023 North Star Award Recipients

Honoring Philip A LaMell and Peter C. Smith for Their Exceptional Service to Scouting and Community.

2023 Council Honors – North Star Award

For the next few months, we will continue to celebrate our 2023 Council Honors Award recipients. This month we are recognizing our two very deserving North Star Awardees. The North Star Award is recognized as a National Court of Honor Award, given to non-Scouters (not currently registered as Scouter) in recognition for their significant service or contributions to the Council. As you learn more about our two North Star Award recipients, please join us in celebrating their commitment of years of service to the Grand Canyon Council.

Both of our North Star Award recipients are members of the Endowment Investment Committee and have served on this team for more than 25 years. They’ve helped our council manage its endowment investments and their wise made decisions have allowed our general endowment and our campership endowment to grow to better support Scouting in GCC. Their efforts result in nearly $400,000 being available annually to support GCC operations and support our campership program.

Philip A LaMell lives in Scottsdale and has been involved in Scouting for over 30 years. Philip’s significant service to youth in Scouting not only includes his years of service on the Grand Canyon Council Endowment Investment Committee, but in his commitment to service within his community. Philip’s involvement includes the Plan Commission, Arlington Heights (IL), Past President, AZ Chapter-National Investor Relations Institute, Past Trustee Scottsdale YMCA, AZ National CFA Society and as a Scottsdale Little League Coach. Philip says, “Scouting is meaningful to me because it has been and continues to be so rewarding to work with like-minded individuals in support of this great organization which benefits our most valuable resource – our youth!”

Peter C. Smith lives in Phoenix and currently serves as a member of the Grand Canyon Council Endowment Investment Committee. Peter is involved civically by virtue of his membership in the Scottsdale Charros and participates on the board of the Arizona Science Center. His service in the community also includes his leadership as Chairman of the Board of All Saints’ Episcopal Church and Day School and a previous board member. Peter also serves as a co-trustee of a $12 million dollar charitable foundation and has served on various other boards in the Phoenix area. Peter believes, “Scouting is meaningful because it contributes to the strong moral, spiritual and patriotic development of our youth.”

Congratulations to both Peter and Philip in receiving the 2023 North Star Award; we appreciate your dedication, commitment and contributions to the Grand Canyon Council while serving on the Council’s Endowment Investment Committee. Thank you!