Simply honored: Boy Scouts' Distinguished Citizen not one for the spotlight

George Jeffreys wouldn't want a bunch of gush written about him.

In fact, he would be much happier if someone else had been the recipient of the Tuscarora Boy Scout Council's 2012 Distinguished Citizen Award and he had been just a member of the audience.

It is not that he didn't appreciate the honor. It is just that he has never been one for the limelight or anyone patting him on the back.

And that humility, combined with an indefatigable work ethic and a quiet determination to share his good fortune with others, is why Jeffreys was such an appropriate choice to take home the Scouts' highest honor.

The Boy Scouts organization teaches young men the value of hard work, integrity and courage -- and those are the words that best describe this year's Distinguished Citizen.

And that is why he is a role model for them as they plan their own futures -- and why it is nice to see a community taking the time to honor him.

Mr. Jeffreys was not all about work. He loved his family and has been a devoted husband and father while building a successful company. He taught his children life lessons that they are sharing now with their own children.

He understands what really matters and has lived his life accordingly.

There are many lessons to be learned from this year's nominee, and they are bootstrap, seat-of-your pants kinds of lessons about leadership, business and life.

George Jeffreys is not about pomp and circumstance.

He is about the core -- what matters when all the fancy is stripped away.

And that is why he epitomizes the title, Distinguished Citizen.

Published in Editorials on June 6, 2012 10:20 AM