2007 Annual Distinguished Citizen Award Dinner

Boy Scouts of America Chattahoochee Council to honor Opelika City Schools Superintendent Raley

Tamiko Lowery / Opelika-Auburn News August 6, 2007

The Marriott at Grand National will be buzzing Aug. 14 with Boy Scout activity as the 15th Annual Distinguished Citizen Award Dinner hosted by the Chattahoochee Council of Boy Scouts of America takes center stage. Local boy scouts, ranging from sixth-graders to high school students, will be present at the 6 p.m. event where Dr. Joseph B. Morton, Alabama State Superintendent of Education, will speak. Assistant Scout Executive Marlon Allen of the Chattahoochee Council of Boy Scouts of America said this year’s Distinguished Citizen Award will be given to a man that exemplifies leadership qualities. "There are those among us who have distinguished themselves by servicing our community," Allen said. "Certainly, Phillip Raley (former Opelika City Schools Superintendent) is one of those individuals. His leadership, dedication and generosity have greatly impacted this area in so many ways. A group of us will be honoring Phillip as the 15th recipient of the Distinguished Citizen Award, which is presented annually by the Boy Scouts of America. We hope you will join us in recognizing the numerous contributions and good works of this outstanding individual." The event at the Marriott at Grand National in Opelika will kick off with a reception at 6 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m. Dress is business attire. Tickets are available until Aug. 10 at a cost of $750 per table or $75 per seat. Proceeds from the event benefit nearly 11,000 youth who participate in Boy Scouts’ programs in Lee County, as well as scouts in 14 surrounding counties. "Funds help cover the cost of scout uniforms, program materials and camping facilities," Allen said. Event committee members include, Councilman Dr. William Lazenby, former Lee County Probate Judge Hal Smith, Bill Parker, Tommy Eden Sr., Tommy Eden Jr., Yetta Samford, Warner Williams Sr., Joyce Newland, Pete Turnham, Mac Cutchins and the Rev. Clifford Jones. For ticket information, call Allen at the Chattahoochee Council of Boy Scouts of America at (706) 327-2634 ext. 223.