Photo by Neil Strebig

Scout Master Alan Perry during the annual Boy Scouts Troop and Cub Scouts Pack 281 annual Blue & Gold Banquet at Manchester’s Bidwell Presbyterian Church Feb. 27. Perry was honored for his 44 years of service to the scouts.

By Neil Strebig

Cubs, Wolves and Webelos Scouts crowded themselves in to Manchester’s Bidwell Presbyterian Church Feb. 27 during Boy Scouts Troop and Cub Scouts Pack 281 annual Blue & Gold Banquet to celebrate Scout Master Alan Perry, who was awarded a lifetime achievement for his 44 years of service.

“It’s not about the award. It is about seeing young men develop into productive citizens,” a visibly emotional Perry said, “I think about all the young men incarcerated and dead – that’s why I do it.”

“I’m shocked,” Perry said. “I’m honored, but I’m shocked.”

Perry started serving with the Boy Scouts of America in 1974 while in Cleveland. Since then he has been an integral part of the community and the local troop.

Perry was presented the award following a brief video collage highlighting his many years of service.

“This is a man who spent his entire life serving the community,” said Al Colelli, who presented Perry.

Colleli continued to accredit Perry for his ability to treat “everyone he meets with respect and kindness” and hauling him as “a blessing for the Boy Scouts of America.”

Perry, who also owns Perry Insurance Group in Manchester, called a number of his former scouts, including two former Eagle Scouts to join him on stage.

“It is an honor to have former scouts here and see what they’ve achieved,” Perry said.

The ceremony may have been a surprise to Perry, but it was a stepping stone towards adulthood for many of the scouts in Troop 281 as awards were given out for new merit badges and placement in this year’s Pinewood Derby.

Den leader, Anita Perry, also had a memorable speech as she awarded each current scout a good-deed token.

“You keep that token in your left pocket,” she informed scouts. “Every time you do something good for someone, you put it in your right. Because that’s what boy scouts do. They help people.”

Just like her husband has done for so many through his decades of service.