Matzinger receives national Eagle award

from Northwest Observer / August 18 - 31, 2022

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Matzinger receives national Eagle Scout award

Article, photo courtesy of OLD NORTH STATE COUNCIL

Scouting volunteer Mike Matzinger received the 2022 National Outstanding Eagle Scout Award (NOESA) at the Old North State Council Character in Action Banquet on Aug. 9 at the Koury Convention Center. This award recognizes notable Eagle Scouts who have performed distinguished service at the local, state or regional level. They also “have inspired others through their actions and have devoted a lifetime to their profession, avocation, community and beliefs, at great sacrifice to themselves and their families,” according to the National Eagle Scout Association website.

“Scouting has been an important part of my life since I became a Cub Scout at age 8,” Matzinger said. “My roles as business executive, community volunteer, parent and spouse are heavily influenced by the preparation scouting provided me to make moral and ethical decisions for a lifetime based on the tenants of the Scout Oath and Law.”

After earning a Ph.D. in organic chemistry from Emory University, Matzinger started his career as a research scientist during which time he was granted 32 patents. Later, he earned an MBA from the University of South Carolina and transitioned to technical and business leadership roles before becoming president of Burlington Chemical Company 12 years ago.

Matzinger has served in many scouting roles for over 30 years at the unit, district, council and territory levels. He is Scoutmaster to 71 young men in Troop 600, chartered to Oak Ridge Presbyterian Church, and Scoutmaster to 40 young women in Troop 219, chartered to Northwest Guilford Woman’s Club. He has served as the founding unit leader of each for 16 and three years, respectively, and has helped almost 100 Scouts reach the rank of Eagle Scout.

(L-R) Old North State Council Executive Clif Morris and Council President J.D. Wooten present the National Outstanding Eagle Scout Award to Mike Matzinger at an Old North State banquet held in the Koury Convention Center Aug. 9. “Scoutmaster Matzinger embodies what it means to be a true servant leader,” said Selby Chipman, one of Troop 219’s four inaugural female Eagle Scouts. “Thanks to his guidance and support, I have gained confidence and resilience, experienced adventures of a lifetime, and value the importance of paying it forward.” “During the pandemic, Scoutmaster Matzinger provided the mentorship and resources that enabled our troop to thrive and grow at a time when most activities stopped,” adds Caden Miller, a Troop 600 Eagle Scout who served as senior patrol leader during that time. “Not only did we continue meeting virtually and outdoors, but he encouraged us to help our community by collecting tens of thousands of pounds of food for months to help people in need.” In 2023, Matzinger will be Scoutmaster of a contingent of 36 Scouts The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996 from local troops participating in the BSA National Jamboree. He has served as a unit leader for three national and two international jamborees. Matzinger has previously received other scouting recognitions including the Celtic Coming Cross Award, Sea Scout Leadership Award, Venturing Leadership Award, Special September 1Needs Scouting Service Award, District Award of Merit, and Silver Beaver Award. Back-to-school section Beyond scouting, Matzinger serves the community as a member of Rotary International and board chair of Black Suit Initiative.