Katcho Achadjian to be honored Dec. 7 with ‘Good Scout Award’
Outgoing 35th District Assemblyman represents model leadership, scouts say
Katcho Achadjian.
—The Los Padres Council, Boy Scouts of America will honor Assemblyman Katcho Achadjian as the 2016 recipient of the “Good Scout Award.” Los Padres Council has been serving the youth of San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties since 1914 and would not be able to fulfill its mission without the leadership of committed community leaders such as Assemblyman Achadjian, they say. Previous “Good Scout Award” winners include San Luis Obispo County Sheriff Ian Parkinson, and Dignity Health-French Hospital President Alan Iftiniuk.
The “Good Scouter Award” recognizes, “a leader of our community who sets a positive example for others to follow, through living in accordance with the Scout Oath and Law; while also demonstrating exceptional involvement in the community.” Achadjian was selected by a committee of community volunteers, who each year identify an exceptional community leader nominated to the Board of Directors for this prestigious recognition. This year, the board identified Achadjian as having exemplified character, leadership and commitment to the San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara County communities.
Achadjian, who completed six years of service in the California Assembly on Nov. 30, 2016, recently reflected on his time serving constituents of the 35th District, which runs from San Miguel to Lompoc. “The Boy Scouts have a saying that says, ‘when you leave a campsite, make sure it’s cleaner than you found it or better.’ I feel like six years ago, when I went to the state level, we were in a $26 billion deficit. We don’t have that. By looking back, I think we would make the Boy Scouts very proud in that it’s better than the way I found it,” he said on KSBY.
Achadjian has been a leader in the community since 1971, when he came to California from Beirut, Lebanon to complete his education and pursue the American Dream. He carried with him a distinctive work ethic instilled in him by his Armenian parents in Lebanon – an ethic that has served him well in his roles as businessman, community volunteer and legislator. On Dec.17, 1982, a day that serves as a continuous source of pride for him, Achadjian became a United States citizen.
A lifelong community advocate, Achadjian has volunteered in support of numerous civic, service and nonprofit organizations. He has served as a member of the Board of Directors of Arroyo Grande Community Hospital and Chairman of San Luis Obispo’s French Hospital. Since 2008, he has also served as a mentor to college students through the Executive Partners Leadership Council at Cal Poly’s Orfalea College of Business.
Los Padres Council will formally recognize Assemblyman Katcho Achadjian during its annual “Major Member” dinner gala, held on the evening of Wed., Dec. 7, 2016 at the Cliffs Resort located in Pismo Beach. Tickets are $150 per person, with a reception beginning at 6 p.m. and program at 7 p.m. The council will also recognize outgoing Arroyo Grande police chief Rick TerBorch with the “Outstanding Eagle Scout” award. The council invites the community to join in celebrating Assemblyman Achadjian for his commitment to youth and to the greater San Luis Obispo County community. Proceeds from the event will help fund Los Padres Council youth programs throughout the San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties.
For details, contact Los Padres Council at (805) 967-0105 or email Carlos Cortez, CEO/Scout Executive at [email protected].
