The Chattahoochee Council of the Boy Scouts of America awarded Dale Jackson with the annual Distinguished Citizens Award last week. 

“It was certainly a great honor to be recognized by an organization as great as the Chattahoochee Council [of the] Boy Scouts of America,” said Dale Jackson, owner of Jackson Services. “I really appreciate not only what the Boy Scouts do as an organization, but most importantly, they recognize not only myself but many people who are involved and are getting involved.” 

Jackson was recognized for his work in the community and for his role in helping to start the first accredited private Christian special needs school in Georgia — the Discovery Cottage — according to Chris Largent, Yellow Jacket District executive for BSA. 

“[This is for] everything he has done in the Discovery Cottage and for the mentor advice Dale has given,” Largent said. “He does outstanding work throughout the community and with special needs. That’s what we look for when picking a recipient for this award.” 

Jackson said he is passionate about his volunteerism and work with the special needs community because it hits close to home. 

“I have a severely disabled son, Colin, with Autism,” Jackson said. “A lot of what I do is not only educating the community about the needs for special needs, but also preparing my community. I won’t be here to take care of him forever, so the more I do to educate them, in the future my son will be taken care of.” 

Largent said it is crucial for the support of the community to keep an organization like the BSA thriving. 

“We are thankful for Dale’s heavy involvement in the Boy Scouts,” Largent said. 

According to a press release from the council, proceeds from the dinner went directly to supporting the local scouting programs that serve 5,000 youth in 15 different counties. 

“I look to encourage others and help serve in a variety of ways,” Jackson said. 

“It was certainly a great honor and I was not expecting it by any means.”