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Longtime Scouting Supporter Demetric Mercadel Recognized for Service
10/16/2018
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Whitney M. Young Jr. Service Award recipient Demetric Mercadel is shown with Diversity in Scouting Gala chairman Jimmie Woods Sr. (left) and her son, Todd C. James, who introduced and presented her award. |
Scouting has been a part of Entergy employee Demetric Mercadel's life ever since her son became a Cub Scout in the first grade. In honor of her volunteerism and support, the Boy Scouts of America Southeast Louisiana Council presented her the Whitney M. Young Jr. Service Award during the Diversity in Scouting Gala on Sept. 20.
The Diversity in Scouting Gala is an annual fundraiser that Mercadel, senior public affairs customer service specialist for Entergy New Orleans, has helped organize for the last seven years.
"I enjoy making a difference in children's lives," she said. "Many kids want to be a part of scouting but can't afford it. Funds raised by the gala make it possible for low-income multicultural kids to buy uniforms, go on camping trips and take part in other Scouting activities. It's been quite rewarding."
In 2016, Mercadel co-chaired the gala planning team with her son, Todd C. James. During this year's award ceremony, James stepped to the podium to introduce and present her award.
"These things stay with you," Mercadel said. "My son joined Cub Scouts in the first grade, later advancing to Boy Scouts, and stayed involved until middle school. I got involved with the gala through Entergy's Charles Rice, who serves on the Southeast Louisiana Council board and received the award himself in 2015. Scouting has been a great experience in so many ways."
The Whitney M. Young Jr. Service Award honors individuals or organizations that encourage youth from rural or low-income urban backgrounds to participate in scouting activities. This year's award also was presented to Bernette Joshua Johnson, chief justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court.
