FAIRMONT, W.Va. (AP) - Ralph Herron has been involved with the Boy Scouts of America for almost his whole life.
While he worked with the program in his later years as his sons were participants in the group, he still continues to serve as a coordinator with the United Methodists of West Virginia.
“I have been involved in Boy Scouts ever since I was a youth, 50 years as a matter of fact,” Herron, who attends Highlawns United Methodist Church in Rivesville, said. “I stuck with it because I really believe it’s a good program, and if I didn’t believe in it, I wouldn’t have stayed with it as long as I have.”
In part due to these efforts and more, Herron has been named West Virginia United Methodist Man of the Year by the organization the West Virginia United Methodist Men. For Herron, the honor is one he never saw coming, as his service to his church and his community just come as part of the religion.
“To be even considered it’s a pretty good honor,” Herron said. “It’s a good honor. I was shocked that I was actually chosen, but I was.”
Aside from his work with the Scouts, Herron also serves as chairperson of staff-Parrish relations for the church, is on its board of trustees and assists in the children’s service event “Kids for Christ.” He also volunteers with community organizations such as the Salvation Army.
“It keeps me busy,” Herron laughed. “Sometimes we have something every weekend and I go to a lot of meetings during the week.”
However, probably his biggest duty is helping to organize the annual circuit rider in Jackson’s Mill, which is a gathering where hundreds of individuals camp out on the site for a weekend.
“We have several hundred campers out at Jackson’s Mill,” Herron said. “They do activities during the day, and then have a meal in the evening there in the dining hall and then we have a Sunday service down there.”
It was at this circuit rider that Herron found he had won the honor, being recognized among the officers of the United Methodist Men attending the event.
“They go over the candidates and then they choose the Man of the Year at the circuit rider,” Herron said. “They keep saying ’It was a long time coming.’”
The organization of the United Methodist Men picks a recipient of this recognition each year out of the nominations made by other members. Herron said he was nominated by two of his colleagues, as he is known in the community and throughout West Virginia for his work with the scouts.
“Districts nominate people for the Man of the Year,” Herron said. “A lot of them know me because I’ve been the conference scouting coordinator for the West Virginia conference for 14 years.”
According to George Hohmann, president of the United Methodist Men, the group started the award in 1954, then called the “Layman of the Year.” It was changed in the 1970s to “Man of the Year,” and has consistently been given to a member of the organization.
“It’s been a long time,” Hohmann said. “There’s a plaque down at Charleston’s office that’s got names on it and it’s a pretty big plaque.”
Herron’s name will be added to that plaque, in recognition of this honor. Hohmann also said the selection process for the Man of the Year was different this year because there was actually more than one nominee.
“It’s usually up to the president and executive committee,” Hohmann said. “It was a pretty interesting process this year because there were several nominees, so they had to wrestle with that.”
On Herron himself, Hohmann agreed the award has been a long time coming, having known of him and his efforts for a long time.
“I can say that I’ve known Ralph for probably 30 years,” Hohmann said. “He’s always been active in his church and active with the scouts.
“He’s probably one of the most widely known scout leaders in the state.”
Finally being recognized for his work with the church, Herron commented that this work is never done, as he will continue to be an active participant for as long as he can.
“I’m glad to do those things,” Herron said. “They’re good organizations to help, and I can see the benefit.”
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Information from: Times West Virginian, http://www.timeswv.com
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