Baird honored as ‘Good Scout’

Juanita Baird was never a boy scout. But because her life exemplified the ideals of the scouts, she was posthumously honored Monday night.

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The scouts turned out in full force to honor Baird on Monday night.

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At the annual Good Scout award dinner, Baird was recognized for her devotion to the community, her family and her many other contributions.

Baird was widely known for loyalty to the Republican party.

During her life she served as an adviser and role model for many young Republicans. For 28 years, she served on her party’s state executive community. In addition, in 1985 was named the Tennessee Republican Woman of the Year.

Earlier this month Baird died at the age of 93.

Accepting the Good Scout award on her behalf was her son, County Mayor William Baird.

“She would be proud to receive this award,” he said.

“Honorees for this are people who have been involved, who have given back to the community,” said Brandon Goodwin, area representative for the Boy Scouts of America.

Taking the podium, District Chair for the scouts, Mark A. Wells, reiterated the qualities of scouts. Noting that while some believed trustworthiness and obedience were “archaic principles of a time past” that is what made for strong leaders of today.

“What other group focuses on God, family and country,” Wells asked of the crowd seated in the Cove Lake Pavilion. “Who else believes character is everything?”

With the evening devoted to honoring not only Baird but also the values of the boy scouts, Goodwin addressed scouting in the area.

Around 450 boys are active in scouting throughout the community, he said. As the children have fun taking part in camping and other activities, they are also learning. “It is a character development program,” Goodwin said of scouting.

A part of the evening was also about raising funds. Monies raised from the evening are used to help boys who otherwise might not be able to become a scout, Goodwin said.