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WINSTON-SALEM — The Old Hickory Council of the Boy Scouts of America will hold its annual Distinguished Citizen Award event Nov. 30 to recognize a local member of the community who personifies the spirit of Scouting.

Typically held as an in-person banquet event, this year the event has gone virtual, like most others, because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Community leaders, family, and friends will gather at 7 p.m. via the wonders of technology to honor Dr. Anthony Atala, director of the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine and chair of Urology at Wake Forest Baptist Health.

Dr. Atala has had a significant influence through a lifetime of service and leadership to his community. His passion and leadership are best described by the Boy Scout slogan, “Do A Good Turn Daily.” He has been actively involved with local Scouting with his two sons who are both Eagle Scouts.

“Each year. the honoree is chosen by a vote from their peers who are past honorees and among the most significant leaders in our community,” said John Loftis, president of the Old Hickory Council. “This year, in a most extraordinary year with a pandemic affecting us all, I can think of no one more deserving of the award than Dr. Tony Atala, a premier researcher who is using technology developed at his institute to help test drug therapies for this terrible virus.”

Atala joins a group of honorees that include Wake Forest University President Dr. Nathan Hatch, Dr. Gary Green, retired president of Forsyth Technical Community College, Kelly King, president of BB&T/Truist, and many more.

For 30 years, the Old Hickory Council, headquartered in Winston-Salem, has sought to recognize one individual in the community who is a role model by his or her personal accomplishments and is also an example of what Scouting holds most important — leadership and service to others. From the very first honoree in 1990, this important community event has raised over $5 million for Scouting in northwest North Carolina.

Out of more than 260 Boy Scout councils across the United States, the Old Hickory Council continues to be recognized as one of the premier councils in the nation. The council has been serving young people and their families throughout the eight counties in northwest North Carolina with programs of leadership training, life skills development, community service and personal fitness for almost 110 years.

To join the virtual event at 7 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 30, go to https://www.facebook.com/OldHickoryCouncil/posts/4068852973144318

To make a donation to Old Hickory Council in honor of Dr. Atala. Text SUPPORT to 888111