The Orange County Council of the Boy Scouts of America has awarded Orange County Superintendent Dr. Al Mijares with the National Elbert K. Fretwell Outstanding Educator Award.
The Scouts recognized Mijares for his One Billion Acts of Kindness initiative, which he launched about three years ago.
The award is presented by Scouts across the country to teachers, educational support staff and school administrators who stand out from their professional peers in instilling Scouting values in their students.
In May, the OC Boy Scout Council leaders, including Executive Board member Dennis Hardin, surprised Mijares with the award during an OCDE staff meeting.
“Dr. Mijares has led the way in character development and values-based education throughout his career,” Hardin said. “From his years as the superintendent of the Santa Ana Unified School District, followed by his leadership role with the College Board, to his current tenure as superintendent of the Orange County Department of Education, Al has been an exemplary example of the Scouting’s motto, ‘Be Prepared for life.'”
Mijares, who has served as OCDE superintendent since 2012, thanked the Boy Scouts for the award, and thanked the group for helping serve the local youth, especially those at risk.
He then asked, “Does this his mean I can become an honorary Eagle Scout?”