CLARKSVILLE, TN − The Middle Tennessee Council hosted the 2025 Cogioba Good Scout Award Breakfast at William O. Beach Civic Hall on Feb. 27. Each year, the event honors an outstanding local leader who exemplifies the values of Scouting and has made significant contributions to their community. Valerie Guzman was this year’s Good Scout Award Recipient.
Guzman is dedicated to serving her community and exemplifies the Scouting values of integrity, respect, care, belief, and cooperation. As former CEO of the United Way in Clarksville, she was instrumental in advancing the organization’s mission to improve education, health, and financial stability for local citizens through major challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic and the Dec. 9, 2023, tornado. Under her leadership, the United Way of the Greater Clarksville Region worked tirelessly with partners across Montgomery, Houston, and Stewart Counties to address critical community needs.
During the event, Cogioba District OA Chapter Chief Ethan Steffensmeier, a Clarksville junior, shared how Scouting has helped him grow as a person and as a leader. Steffensmeier told the audience about the opportunities and training he has had as a Scout and mentioned how the instruction benefitted him in JROTC leadership roles and as a student.
“This award is very special to me. We serve and invest in our community because of young people with determination and humility like Ethan who will lead us in the future,” said Guzman.
Guzman also served as the Ward 5 Clarksville City Council member and continues to serve on multiple community boards. The award write-up reads that Guzman’s determination to make Clarksville a better place is evident in all she does, and her genuine care for the community continues to inspire those she serves.
The Cogioba District serves Houston, Montgomery and Stewart Counties and Fort Campbell in the Service Area 2.
To learn more, visit www.mtcscouting.org.