Area educators and civic leaders came together on May 1 to celebrate Learning for Life and Exploring at the Caddo Area Council, Boy Scout Service Center. As an in-school program, Learning for Life supports our schools through values-based education, Character Camp outdoor learning experiences, and Leadership Development Workshops along with career speakers who present a realistic image of the workplace while keeping education as their key focus. Exploring is based on a unique and dynamic relationship between youth and the organizations in their communities, and can be specialized in a variety of career fields. In 2018, Caddo Area Council has partnered with TAMU-T and developed the first Education Exploring Post in the country! This post will support a stronger teaching staff

for the Texarkana area and, ultimately, be a model for other councils across the USA.

Mary Ellen Young led this year’s event as educators and volunteers were recognized for their outstanding service to young people. Fred Markham, president of Caddo Area Council Executive Committee, currently serves as chairman of the National Learning for Life and Exploring Executive Board. He addressed the guests and thanked them for recognizing the value of the program. Council Executive Anthony Escobar shared information on Scouting programs and introduced Mike Malone, Texarkana Chamber of

Commerce CEO, as VP of Exploring with the local Scout Executive Board.

Recognitions for 2017-18 included: Outstanding Administrator — Quincey Rayfield, L. F. Henderson Intermediate School; Outstanding Exploring Advisor — Eric White, Cass County Emergency Services; Outstanding Youth – Brianna Black and Destiny Simington, Texas High School Leadership; Decade of Service – Liberty-Eylau ISD; and School

District of the Year—Ashdown School District.