NAPS Names Bob Parker Distinguished Citizen

NAPS Board of Directors has announced that the 2016 Distinguished Citizens Award goes to Robert Parker for his “positive influence on students and Boy Scouts for the last 20 years in the Northumberland Community.” According to the citation signed by Co-Presidents Lee Allain and Dr. Lynton Land, Parker has worked in the Northumberland school system and at Rappahannock Community College as “a superb educator, encouraging students to excel in math and science.”

In 2015 he completed 14 years as Cubmaster and Scoutmaster of Pack and Troop 250, helping boys to learn new skills and to excel at what they do. Along the way, he has seen numerous scouts succeed as Eagle Scouts. He has assisted scouts with many special projects supporting the community at large.

“We have had 22 boys complete (one is still finishing) Eagle projects in the community. These include several bridges on the nature trails, signage and educational boxes on those trails and one walkway. Other projects have erected flag poles at the sheriff’s office, two churches and the Richmond County Schools,” Parker reported.

Parker recently took advantage of a NAPS offer to take his troop into the Chesapeake environment by setting up an Eco-Tour on the water to give them personal experience with the Bay. In February 2015, the Northumberland Board of Supervisors honored him by County resolution for service to the county, children and citizens. In fact, February 28, 2015 was declared to be Robert M. and Patricia M. Parker day for their respective contributions to the community. Parker’s Boy Scout service included his sons. He points out that both of his sons earned their Eagle Scout rating, and both did projects supported by NAPS. Today, he adds, his son Ryan is in his second year of graduate school studying Occupational Therapy at Shenandoah University and his youngest son, Adam is a sophomore at the University of Utah, studying Outdoor High Adventure Programming and Therapeutic Recreation.

The NAPS citation concludes: ”Mr. Parker has consistently been a positive force in the community, helping students develop their potential as part of the Northumberland Community.” His Boy Scout activities extend to the national level, as well. Parker is serving on the leadership team for the STEMQuest area at the 2017 National Jamboree. “Our area exposes scouts to the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math in partnership with exhibitors from universities and corporations. This year we will have exhibitors from NASA, Lincoln Welding, the Army Corp. of Engineers, and West Virginia Department of Forensics Science,” he explained. Because of his long years of service, NAPS is proud to present Bob with our Distinguished Citizen Award for 2016” said NAPS Co-President Allain.

The formal presentation of the Distinguished Citizen Award will take place at the NAPS Annual Social, Saturday, November 5 at the Bay Quarter Shores Clubhouse. For details, see separate story: “You’re Invited.”