Harling Honored with International Award
David Harling Earns Prestigious Scouting Award From Rotary International
At the May 7 Rockingham Rotary Club meeting, David Harling, longtime leader in both the Boy Scouts and the Rotary Club received the distinguished Cliff Dochterman Award. It was presented by Jonathan Widmark, Scout Executive and CEO for the Cape Fear Council of BSA. It was the first time in the 102 year history of the Cape Fear Council that this international award had been presented locally.
The International Fellowship of Scouting Rotarians created a special recognition in 2005 to honor those unique individuals who have truly committed themselves to a life of servant leadership. It was in honor of former Rotary International President, Cliff Dochterman who was a Rotarian for nearly 50 years and in addition to being an Eagle Scout, received may Scouting honors.
The requirements for the award are for a Rotarian to render outstanding service and dedication to Scouting through:
- Contributions to the character development, leadership, citizenship and personal growth of Scouts
- Exemplifying the 4 way test
- Recruiting and training Scout volunteers
- Strengthening the relationship between Scouting and Rotary.
Widmark detailed some of Harling’s accomplishments. He is an Eagle Scout, God and Country recipient, Vigil Honor Member of the Order of the Arrow and Silver Beaver recipient. He has staffed Multiple Woodbadge courses and has served as a Cubmaster, Scoutmaster, Committee Chair and every other position Scouting ever created. He currently serves as Council Commissioner for the Cape Fear Council making him the top uniformed volunteer in our council.
He has also been a member of the Rockingham Rotary for 17 years. He has served as Membership Chair, Asst. Treasurer and Club President. He is a multiple Paul Harris Fellow and a Rotary Foundation Sustaining member.
Beyond Rotary and Scouting David has nearly two decades with the Jaycees, 10 years on the Laurinburg Planning and Zoning board, 8 years on the airport commission, 10 years as a trustee for Scotland Healthcare, 6 years with the Humane Society and lifelong member of the Laurinburg Presbyterian Church.
Widmark closed by saying that “David Harling truly represents all that we hope for in both Rotary and Scouting. He is committed to the welfare of his community, our youth and the greater good. He is not a man of words but one of action. Both our organizations are truly blessed to have him.”
