Distinguished citizen

MIDLAND Tickets are on sale now for the Boy Scouts of America Buffalo Trail Council's annual Distinguished Citizen Dinner honoring Judge John G. Hyde.

The event is scheduled for 7 p.m. Oct. 30 at Green Tree Country Club. The Distinguished Citizen Award recognizes individuals for their contributions to our community.

Hyde, who was not involved in Scouting growing up, said he was "humbled" to find out that he would be the 2008 honoree. Hyde said he believes if more of our citizens would follow the principles of Scouting, fewer would find themselves in the court system, a news release from the Buffalo Trail Council said.

Hyde's community service includes serving on the Palmer Drug Abuse Prevention Board, Midland Teen Court Board, MARC Board, the Midland College Criminal Justice Advisory Board and the Hardin-Simmons Board of Trustees.

Past honorees include Don Evans, Gen. Tommy Franks, Laura Bush, Dr. David Daniels, Dick Sivalls and Congressman Mike Conaway.

Tables of eight are available for $10,000, $5,000, $3,000 or $1,750. Individuals may attend for $250 per person. Reservations are required for this black-tie-optional event.

Proceeds are used to support the Scouting programs throughout the Permian Basin with emphasis on underserved populations. Currently, over 5,100 youth in an 18-county area are enrolled in Buffalo Trail Council programs. An emphasis has been placed on "outreach" with special attention to our growing Hispanic population. Scoutreach, Learning for Life, and Soccer and Scouting are among the programs designed to offer these "at risk" youth programs that provide them with strong values, positive role models and mentors for these young people.

For reservations, please contact Michelle Brown at 432-570-7601.