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  • John Groendyke (center) receives congratulations from friends following the Cimarron Council Boy Scouts of America Good Scout Luncheon at Oakwood Country Club Tuesday. Groendyke was presented with The North Star Award for his continued support of Boy Scouts of America projects. (Staff Photo by BONNIE VCULEK)

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February 19, 2013

Groendyke presented North Star Award by Boy Scouts

By Phyllis Zorn, Staff Writer Enid News and Eagle

ENID, Okla. — The highest award given to a non-Scout was presented to an area businessman by Cimarron Council Boy Scouts of America during its Good Scout luncheon Tuesday.

John Groendyke, once a Boy Scout himself and a lifelong supporter of the program, was given the North Star award, a national award for distinguished service to youth. Bud Smith, council vice president, called Groendyke to the front of the dining room at Oakwood Country Club, and gave him the award to applause from about 140 scouting supporters attending the luncheon.

“John has been a consistent contributor supporting local scouting through the Cimarron Council for many years,” said Doug Bergman, field director for Cimarron Council. “He also has been very generous in allowing the Cimarron Council to use his property for four years, to hold Camp Buckskin Cub Scout Day Camp for boys from Enid and the surrounding area.”

Groendyke said his respect for the Boy Scout program has not changed through the years.

“I think it’s a great program for young people, to have an appreciation and have goals and mission,” Groendyke said of scouting. “I think they are just as valid today as they were years ago when I was in Scouts.”

David Burrows, whose son, Austin, is a Cub Scout in St. Gregory the Great’s Pack 15, was chairman and master of ceremonies.

Michael Barnthouse, past council president, spoke about the impact of scouting over its 100 years in the United States, teaching youth self-reliance and service to others.

“Not every American child has a positive role model,” Barnthouse said.

Cimarron Council serves more than 2,500 youths in 19 north central and northwest Oklahoma counties.

Groendyke is chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Groendyke Transport.

Central National Bank, David Burrows Allstate Agency, Dillingham Insurance, Edward Jones, Groendyke Trucking, Liberty Federal Savings Bank, Leonard Northcutt, Messer-Bowers, Oxbow Calcining, Waken & Co., Ward Petroleum and Wymer Brownlee were sponsors for the annual luncheon.

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