Pictured from left to right: Gavin Laur, Troop 411 scout; Gina Laur, Escanaba Kiwanis Club board member; Pastor Michael Markwell; and Becky Landerberger, Pack 411 Cubmaster. (Courtesy photo)

ESCANABA – Mike Markwell, Gladstone, recently received the joint Kiwanis International and Boy Scouts of America Community Organization Award. Markwell is both part of Troop 411, Escanaba, and the Escanaba Kiwanis CLub. He is also pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Escanaba.

Troop 411 member Gavin Laur noted the award recognizes the relationship between Kiwanis and Scouting and honors Markwell for serving both organizations.

Markwell is a long-term scout, earning his Eagle Award in 2009. He is currently a merit badge counselor for Astronomy, Public Speaking and Canoeing and is the Religious Emblems Chair for the area. Markwell has led various campouts and activities, including canoeing events. He also learned how to sail the scout 27-foot sailboat so he can teach scouts how to sail.

The awardee has served on the Escanaba Kiwanis Board of Directors for three years and is in charge of the Kiwanis Spring Expo, which features vendors and a pancake breakfast. This project has annually raised $16,000 to $20,000, which is the bulk of the money used to fund Kiwanis projects and donations. He also spearheaded the club’s involvement in last year’s first-ever Logjam Festival in Escanaba.

Markwell reflected on the awards meaning, stating “I’m just grateful we can bring attention to the great work that Scouting and Kiwanis are doing together for our community.”

The award was presented at Immanuel Lutheran Church prior to its annual Scout Sunday service. Immanuel sponsors Troop 411, which is part of the Michigan Crossroads Council 780. Two years ago, the Scouting Hiawathaland District named the church its supporting organization of the year.

Pack 411 Cubmaster Becky Landenberger said Markwell deserved the honor “because he has contributed his time and efforts at an exemplary level for both Scouts and the Kiwanis organizations. He is immensely active in both programs, melding a relationship between the two through volunteering at each other’s events.”

Gina Laur, Escanaba Kiwanis Board Member, noted Markwell “almost immediately, after joining Kiwanis, began creating a strategic partnership between our club and the local scouting troop. He brought Kiwanians to volunteer at Klondike derbies and camporees. He also coordinates scouts who assist with our local Kiwanis fund-raiser.”

Boy Scouts Kiwanis International partners with 20 community organizations to present its Community Organization Award.