Scouts honor extraordinary women

Three outstanding Queens women earned their merit badges for their tireless work with the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) at an awards reception at Valentino’s on the Green.
The 100-year-old organization honored Philippa Karteron, Executive Director of the Council for Airport Opportunity; Dr. Marcia Keizs, President of York College; and Victoria Schneps-Yunis, publisher of The Queens Courier, at the Queens Council 2010 Salute to Women in Leadership Awards Reception on Tuesday, November 16.
The event was hosted by Liz Sulik, director of external affairs for Peninsula Hospital Center and a member of the BSA board of trustees. Sulik, who was also awarded for her own hard work with the BSA, said that the three honorees shared a few things in common.
“They all give a tremendous service to others and they have touched many lives over the course of their careers,” said Sulik. “It is my honor to honor them tonight.”
Upon receiving her award, Karteron said that she sits on the BSA board because she “is concerned about the youth in the community.” Adding that, “Children are flowers that should be nurtured.”
Keizs revealed that her father was a scout leader in the Caribbean and the he instilled in her the principles should would carry with her the rest of her life.
“The legacy of the BSA is an important one,” said Keizs. “They teach young men the value of hard work. I’ve seen the young men here and I’ve heard them pledge – may their legacy continue.”
Queens Courier publisher Victoria Schneps-Yunis said that she was a Brownie, a Girl Scout and a Camp Fire Girl, and that being involved with those youth organizations helped her forge the belief that she was capable of anything.
“Along with my mother, it inspired me and taught me to not be afraid of being a leader,” she said. “Each one of us, in our own way, can make a difference. And nothing is a finer example of that than the Boy Scouts.”
City Councilmember Dan Halloran showed his support and his Eagle Scout colors when he stopped in to greet the revelers. Halloran said that being involved with the BSA had a profound impact on his life – and it continues to teach him to this day.
“The BSA builds a healthy and respectful attitude amongst young men,” said Halloran. “It’s a relationship that I will always maintain and support at every level.”