Annually, the Central Florida Council of Scouting America (formally called the Boy Scouts of America) gathers to honor someone in Osceola County who embodies and applies Scouting’s principles in their everyday and professional life.
The 2026 honoree is Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital President Brian Wetzel, who was presented with the Golden Eagle Award at the Council’s Osceola County event last week at Osceola Heritage Park.
The Golden Eagle Award is one of the few awards Scouting America presents to non-Scouts, or those not noted for a Scouting career. In nominating Wetzel for the annual award, Scouting touted his three decades of leadership rooted in integrity with Orlando Health. He returned to lead St. Cloud Hospital, in his birthplace and nearly lifelong hometown, in 2023. His tenure aligns with the mission and purpose of the Scouting program.
When he spoke of the 12 Points of the Scout Law – being trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful thrifty, brave, clean and reverent – he said anyone with those attributes would easily get hired at the hospital.
“I think of the attitude that you bring to your life. I think the attitude to work right. That's what Scouting does for our young people,” he said of the Scouting members in attendance at the event. “They teach those values. What a wonderful thing to teach young people. Those are the people that I want to work with as an adult. We can all make our personal, positive impact on our communities that we live in and love, but as our children, they will carry that forward.
Eagle Scout Delaney Townes told of how Scouting, which provides a high-quality program built on camaraderie and adventure that builds leadership skills and character, has had a profound impact on her young life.
“Service isn't about recognition. It's about who you are and how you show up for others every day,” she said. “Last summer, I completed my Eagle Scout project, building the canopy for the Russell Home for Children. That experience taught me the importance of planning, responsibility and leading the purpose. But more than anything, it shows you the impact you can have when you serve others.”
Last week’s Golden Eagle dinner raised about $64,000 of the annual $75,000 fundraising goal for the dinner. To make a contribution to Scouts in Osceola County to help reach that goal, go online to bit.ly/4umd7x3.
This story composed by Ken Jackson, Osceola News-Gazette Editor and Eagle Scout
