FALLS CHURCH, VA (December 4, 2023)
Scout Joe H. of Falls Church, Virginia, became the first (and only) Scout in 2023 to earn the highly regarded Bernard Harris STEM Award for achievement in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math in the National Capital Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America (NCAC). According to Trisha Dalal, NCAC Director for STEM and Exploring, it is estimated that “fewer than 25 Bernard Harris Supernova awards have ever been awarded in our Council.”
The Dr. Bernard Harris Supernova Award was established by the Scouting Movement in the United States to encourage and recognize superior achievement in the STEM subjects of Science, Technology Engineering and Math and to inspire Scouts to explore the wonders of the cosmos and make a lasting impact on our world. It is the bronze (first) level of three Supernova Awards for Scouts BSA, which recognizes the achievements of Scouts who have displayed exceptional dedication, passion, and curiosity in the STEM fields.
Dr. Bernard A. Harris Jr. is a distinguished pioneer who made history by becoming the first African American to walk in space. He embarked on this extraordinary journey aboard the space shuttle Discovery in 1995 during the STS-63 mission. Beyond his stellar achievements as an astronaut, Dr. Harris holds a medical degree and has dedicated his life to promoting STEM education among young people.
Joe H. is currently a Life Scout with BSA Troop 150 in Annandale, Virginia. He has earned over 100 of the 138 merit badges in Scouting. He is an officer of the local Chapter of the Order of the Arrow, the Honor Society for Scouting. Joe appeared in the November 2023 issue of the national SCOUT LIFE Magazine for placing fourth in the Under-15 Age Division of the U.S. National Championships in the Olympic sport of Modern Pentathlon.
