Scouting America’s National Court of Honor has announced the Silver Antelope Class of 2026, and the Alamo Area Council is proud to celebrate two of our own leaders who have been selected for this distinguished recognition: Lance Hirsch and Jim Jeffery.
The Silver Antelope Award is one of the highest honors presented by Scouting America, recognizing exceptional service to youth at the Council Service Territory level. Created in 1942 and first awarded in 1943, the Silver Antelope recognizes registered Scouters whose dedication and leadership have made a lasting impact on young people and the Scouting movement. Recipients are chosen by the National Court of Honor for their distinguished service, exceptional character, and commitment to the development of youth through Scouting.
A Rare Award Indeed
From the first presentation of the award through 2025, only 3,360 individuals nationwide have received the Silver Antelope, making it one of the most selective recognitions in Scouting. Over the years, recipients have included influential leaders from across the country, including military leaders, business executives, and public officials who have helped shape both their communities and the Scouting movement.
In keeping with Scouting tradition, modeled after the U.S. military recognition system, Silver Awards represent the highest level of recognition in Scouting America. The Silver Antelope specifically recognizes outstanding service within a Council Service Territory, reflecting leadership that reaches beyond a single local council and benefits Scouting across a broader region.Beginning in 2022, the award transitioned from recognizing service within geographic regions to recognizing service within the organization’s newly established Council Service Territories.
2026 Celebrations
The Silver Antelope Class of 2026 will be formally recognized during Scouting America’s National Annual Meeting Luncheon on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, in Dallas, Texas, where honorees from across the country will be celebrated for their dedication to youth and the ideals of Scouting. For the Alamo Area Council, the selection of Lance Hirsch and Jim Jeffery represents an extraordinary moment of pride. Their years of volunteer leadership, service to youth, and commitment to the mission of Scouting have strengthened not only our council, but the broader Scouting community across our territory.
Their recognition serves as a reminder of the impact that dedicated volunteers can have in shaping the lives of young people by helping them grow into responsible citizens, leaders, and people of character.
Please join us in congratulating Lance Hirsch and Jim Jeffery on this remarkable honor and thanking them for their continued commitment to the youth of our communities.
