DANBURY — Connecticut Yankee Council’s 21st Annual Greater Danbury Good Scout Award luncheon honored two outstanding leaders in the greater Danbury area: Peter D’Amico, chief executive officer and president of SCB International; and Mark Principi, president of Caldwell and Walsh Building Construction, Inc. Both gentlemen were recognized for their understanding of the importance of setting an example, investing in, and giving leadership to programs for young people in the local community. The event was held Monday, November 4, at The Amber Room Colonnade.

Special recognition was also given to the Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company for their 75 years of service to the community.

This year, more than $36,000 was raised to help support scouting in Danbury and the surrounding communities. Over the past 21 years, the Good Scout Award luncheon has raised more than $925,000 to support the outstanding character building and leadership development programs provided by the Connecticut Yankee Council of the Boys Scouts of America.

The Greater Danbury Good Scout award is presented annually by the Boy Scouts of America, Connecticut Yankee Council. Recipients are individuals who exemplify in their daily lives the ideals of the Boy Scouts of America, as expressed in the Scout Oath and Law.  Mr D’Amico and Mr Principi join a list of distinguished honorees of the Greater Danbury Good Scout Award from the last 20 years.

“Peter’s love for soccer and children inspired him to coach youth soccer for over 30 years. Peter is also the founder of a nonprofit sports and fitness center in Newtown, the Newtown Youth Academy doing business as NYA Sports and Fitness,” Dorrie Carolan, co-director of NYA, said during her introduction of the honoree. She mentioned Mr D’Amico’s leadership in the months following 12/14, when all residents were invited to visit NYA, and it “became a safe haven for our community where cameras were banned and the world showed their love and generosity by sending food, therapy dogs, and a ton of wonderful letters and gifts to share.”

In accepting his award, Mr D’Amico said in part: “The main reason why I coach youth soccer is because I believe that sports builds character and prepares children to become responsible adults. I believe that the Boy Scouts of America prepares a young person regardless of athletic ability, to become not only a responsible adult but also a compassionate leader.”

Wayne Skelly introduced Mr Principi, whose business is headquartered on Berkshire Road in Sandy Hook. Mr Skelly described Mr Principi as “a visionary leader who values volunteerism and giving back to his community.”

Mr Principi credited his values to his hardworking parents who instilled the value of supporting community and a strong family.

Scatacook District Chairman Eric Larson presented the special recognition to the Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company.  Accepting on behalf of the company was Peter Barresi, a Sandy Hook firefighter and Cubmaster of Pack 170 in Newtown.

Tyler and Greg Zars, scouts from Troup 72, led the group in The Pledge of Allegiance and in reciting the Scout Oath and Law. Father Peter Karloutsos of the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Danbury gave the blessing.

According to Michael Abrahamson, president of the Council Executive Board, in the greater Danbury area there are more than 800 Scouts (boys and girls) in 40 packs, troops and crews; and 589 adult volunteers giving leadership to those units.