Meet the 2025 Silver Beaver Awardees

Five distinguished Scouting volunteers were honored with the Silver Beaver award from the Great Falls Council on May 3 at their inaugural Volunteer Recognition Dinner. The event was held at the Avon Inn in Avon, NY, and over 130 people attended.

The Silver Beaver is awarded to active adult Scouting volunteers for exceptional and noteworthy service to youth within a local council. A special Council committee chooses honorees from nominations submitted by fellow Scouters.

“We are honored to recognize these individuals with a Silver Beaver Award,” said Gary A. Decker, CEO and Scout Executive of Great Falls Council, Scouting America. “Their commitment to youth development is evident in their dedication to service throughout their volunteer roles at the unit, district, and council level. They will join the 42 other members of our Silver Beaver Society, and we hope they can continue to contribute their time, effort, and talents to the Council.”

A list of past Silver Beaver recipients can be found here, as well as nomination instructions and an application form.

Michael Arlauckas

Michael’s Scouting journey began in 1973 with Pack 140 (Scottsville, NY). He earned the Arrow of Light Award in 1977 and became an Eagle Scout in 1984 while actively participating in Troop 140 (Scottsville, NY) until 1996. He was also involved with the Order of the Arrow, reaching Brotherhood by 1986. From 1985 to 1986, he worked at Massawepie Scout Camps, serving as the 1st Year Program Director and later as Commissioner. He returned to Scouting at the Pack level in 2006 with Pack 4026 in Avon, serving as Den Leader and later as Assistant Scoutmaster. He became Scoutmaster of Troop 4026 in 2024. Michael completed Wood Badge training in 2015 and 2019 and served as a leader in the National Youth Leadership Training program from 2017 to 2022. His sons Camden and Maxwell both achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, and he values family memories made during Scouting. Michael expresses gratitude to his mother, mentors, and the Silver Beaver Society for their support throughout his Scouting career.

Kevin J. Cross

Kevin J. Cross  currently serves as the President of the Board of Directors for the Great Falls Council. His role includes facilitating communication between the board, professional staff, and the Scouting communities in Western New York and Pennsylvania. He is also Co-Chair of the Local Council Chairs’ Cabinet, focusing on governance and collaboration between local councils and national leadership. A lifelong Scout and Eagle Scout, Kevin’s Scouting journey began at age 11 with Troop 286 (Tonawanda, NY). He values Scouting for its ability to provide youth with leadership skills and a moral compass, and he is committed to expanding access to the program. He played a significant role in merging two councils to form the Great Falls Council, strengthening Scouting in the region. Professionally, Kevin is the Chairman and Managing Partner of Lippes Mathias LLP, a law firm that has grown significantly since he joined in 1999. Under his leadership, the firm now has nearly 400 employees across multiple locations.

Jesse F. Kernan

Jesse Kernan’s Scouting journey began as a Cub Scout in Pack 26 (Almond, NY) and continued with Boy Scout Troop 19 (Alfred, NY). He has held various leadership roles, including Den Leader for Pack 16 and Scoutmaster and Committee Member for Troop 16 (Arkport, NY). Jesse has contributed significantly to Scouting events, served as Archery Director at Camp Gorton, and is involved in the council Shooting Sports Committee. In addition to Scouting, he is passionate about youth athletics, having founded and coached archery and trap clubs, organized soccer leagues, and supported Little League activities. As a professional educator, he provides mentorship and guidance to students and colleagues alike. Jesse’s commitment to youth development and community service makes him a deserving recipient of the award.

R. Anthony “Tony” Rupp III

Tony Rupp is a dedicated community leader and Scouter with over a decade of involvement in the Great Falls Council. He has served in various roles, including Council Executive Board Member and Vice President of Fund Development, leading initiatives that enhanced fundraising efforts. Tony has also been a Merit Badge Counselor since 2015, helping Scouts achieve their Eagle Scout rank, and has received multiple awards for his leadership. In addition to his Scouting activities, Tony is a co-founder of Rupp Pfalzgraf, LLC, a law firm that has fostered the growth of many young lawyers. He has coached high school mock trial teams for over 20 years and is actively involved in community service, including support for local projects and pro bono legal work, for which he received the 2020 “Champions for Justice” Litigation award from the ECBA Volunteer Lawyers Project. A committed family man, Tony’s contributions exemplify the values recognized by the Silver Beaver Award.

Patrick VanZile

Patrick VanZile began his scouting journey as a Cub Scout in Pack 42 (Campbell, NY), where he earned his Arrow of Light. He became an Eagle Scout in 1998 as part of Troop 42 (Campbell, NY). After a hiatus for college and family, he returned to scouting in 2015 as a Den Leader and then Cubmaster for Pack 42, welcoming his daughter as one of the first female Cub Scouts in the council. In 2020, he and his children transitioned to Troop 61 (Corning, NY) , with Pat serving as Committee Chair and Scoutmaster before his son and daughter joined different troops. He currently serves as an Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 18 (Hammondsport, NY) and Unit Treasurer for Troop 84 (Horseheads, NY). Pat is also an active member of the Order of the Arrow and has taken on roles like Webmaster for local scouting councils. Professionally, Pat holds a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Oswego and has worked at Corning Incorporated for 19 years. He is also active in the Corning Elks Lodge. He expresses gratitude to his family for supporting his involvement in scouting and the adventures they’ve shared.