Local scout and leader honored by Scouting America

The annual “Gathering of Eagles” award banquet, hosted by the Last Frontier Council, brought together over 200 distinguished Eagle Scouts on November 22, 2024. The event not only celebrated the impactful service projects of young Eagle Scouts like Andrew Willoughby of Guthrie but also honored seasoned community leaders such as Dr. Doug Cook, whose lifelong commitment to service earned him national recognition.

Andrew Willoughby Honored Among Eagle Scouts

Andrew Willoughby of Guthrie was among 212 Eagle Scouts recognized at the annual “Gathering of Eagles” award banquet, hosted by the Last Frontier Council on November 22, 2024. His Eagle Scout service project showcased his dedication to honoring local veterans by GPS mapping and photographing gravesites at Summit View Cemetery earlier this year.

Dr. Doug Cook Receives Prestigious NOESA Award

At the same event, Dr. Cook was honored with the National Eagle Scout Association Outstanding Eagle Scout Award (NOESA), presented by Scouting America. This silver-level award is conferred to approximately 0.4% of the 2.7 million Eagle Scouts recognized since 1912 and highlights exceptional professional achievement and community service.

Dr. Cook, who earned his Eagle Scout rank in 1981 in Woodward, Oklahoma, has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to service and leadership. In 1992, he co-founded Guthrie Eye Care with his wife, Dr. Lisa Cook, and now practices alongside their daughter, Dr. Kayla Cook. Although Dr. Cook has contributed over 32 years as an adult leader in Scouting America, the NOESA award emphasizes his broader contributions to his profession and community.

A Legacy of Community Service

Dr. Cook’s community impact includes 32 years as a member of the Kiwanis Club of Guthrie, where he served as president for one term. Over the past 20 years, he has been instrumental in raising more than $100,000 for local charities through the club’s annual Christmas auction. His volunteer efforts also span 23 years as a Girl Scout leader and service with the American Academy of Optometry and the Oklahoma Association of Optometric Physicians.

Recognizing Leadership and Service

The Gathering of Eagles banquet celebrated the remarkable accomplishments of Eagle Scouts such as Andrew Willoughby and Dr. Doug Cook. Their achievements exemplify the values of leadership, service, and commitment, underscoring the profound and lasting impact of the Eagle Scout rank on their communities and beyond.