A Catholic priest, a Jewish hospital executive, a police chief and a Brooklyn businessman were the recipients of the Bishop’s Good Scout Award April 1 at the annual scouting Awards Dinner.
Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio presented the honors to Father Thomas Vassalotti, pastor of Divine Mercy parish, Williamsburg, and past chaplain of the Catholic Committee on Scouting; Douglas Jablon, vice president of Maimonides Medical Center, Borough Park; Deputy Chief Charles Scholl, NYPD Brooklyn South; and John DeLosa, vice president of Long and DeLosa Construction and co-founder of the Celebration of Light.
Scout leaders from around the diocese were honored for their work and dedication for promoting the Catholic faith in the Scouts movement.
“Each year we offer a dinner to thank the people who have been so helpful in continuing the traditions of the scouts,” said Bishop DiMarzio. “It is a night of honor and support, which is so important to the youth.
“The Scouts are able to learn good values and the importance of helping others. They are able to learn so much, but more importantly, they learn to be leaders, which allows them to grow into great people who will hopefully one day help the Scouts that follow in their footsteps.”
The Elizabeth Ann Seton Award recognizing the contributions of Girl Scout leaders was presented to Jeanne Marie Cirone of Mary, Queen of Heaven parish in Old Mill Basin.
“We are building the girls’ faith,” she said. “Mary Queen of Heaven lets us use its facilities, and in return, we give back with all of our service projects. But being able to help my girls with their faith is able to help and build them in such great ways. I do this for them not for me, it makes me feel so good to be recognized but that just inspires me to work harder to help my girls even more.”
Deputy Chief Scholl said, “This is such an honor for me. To be honored by the Diocese and the Scouts, I can’t tell you what it means to me. I know all the hard work these people have to make. To see the youth of America working hard that is what we need in this city and country. I see so many good cops and without even knowing I can just tell they were Scouts when they were young because the values you learn as a Scout are for life.”
The Bronze Pelican Award to Scouters who promote participation in religious activities went to Helen Cureton, Father Franklin Ezeorah, Deacon Vincent Lino, Father Fred Marano, Tom Reilly and Sean Rowley.
The St. George Emblem, a national recognition of those who contribute to the spiritual development of Catholic youth was awarded to John DiMarco, and Fathers Hilaire Belizaire, Peter Gillen, John Fullum and William With.
The Chairman’s Award honored Archbishop John Hughes Council No. 481 Knights of Columbus in Dyker Heights and the Service to Youth Award was given to Vincent Gentile, past grand knight of the council.
Jeanne Marie Cirone (Right), Dedicated G.S. Leader and Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Awardee
of Mary Queen of Heaven Church, Brooklyn with her proud Mother and Daughter