The Aztec District and the South Texas Council, Boy Scouts of America will honor Blas Castañeda with the BSA Presidential Award of Service on Thursday, March 23 at 4:00 p.m. at Dr. Ike’s Home Center at 4200 IH 35.
Castañeda’s commitment to Scouting and to the development of future leaders through Scouting spans decades. He has served as a Council board member, camp development co-chair, and long term advocate for Scouting’s mission. He was instrumental in the development of Camp Huisache at Lake Casa Blanca, which has served thousands of Laredo boys in positive recreational and character building endeavors.
Castañeda’s advocacy for the youth of the border region includes leadership for Junior Achievement, Communities in Schools, Tech Prep, Literacy Volunteers of America, Career Technology Education, Workforce Development Board, Texas Workforce Commission, LULAC Council, migrant programs, school district career programs, Head Start, National Avance, and others.
Castañeda’s expertise is in economic development, workforce training, organizational leadership and governmental affairs spans more than three decades. He has served as Chief External Affairs/Economic Development Officer at Laredo Community College, and as such has received numerous appointments to committees and councils related to economic development and workforce initiatives.
He is a former Laredo City Council member, having served two four-year terms. He is a member of the Eagle Ford Consortium Tri-Chair Workforce of South Texas. His leadership has been recognized in the public sphere by colleagues, peers, and mentors alike.
The public is invited to the March 23 event, which will include a flag ceremony conducted by Aztec District Scouts, commentary by several distinguished guests, demonstrations from local Scout units, and the presentation of the President’s Award to Castañeda.
For more information about the event or the Aztec District, please contact David Carbajal or Julie Bazan (AHEC) at (956) 712-0037 or bazanj@mrgbahec.org.
(From David Carbajal, Aztec District Director, South Texas Council of the Boy Scouts of America.)
