This week, Mayor Teri Johnston, the City Commission, and the City of Key West honored Velma Christian with a Key West Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing her 53 years of service to the Boy Scouts of America.
Ms. Christian was recognized in December with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Boy Scouts.
City Manager Al Childress noted that, as a board member of the South Florida Boy Scouts, he's long been aware of Ms. Christian’s efforts before he came to Key West.
“Both of my boys are Eagle Scouts,” he said. “Even if you’re not from here, you know Velma Christian. She is an amazing person. Thank you on behalf of the City of Key West for everything you do.”
Ms. Christian started volunteering with the Scouts in 1970 in the Buccaneer District, which serves the Florida Keys. She has served in multiple leadership roles throughout the years, including roundtable commissioner, secretary, Cub training chairman, and recognition banquet chair. In 1980, the South Florida Council recognized her great dedication with the Silver Beaver Award and named the 2006 Class of Eagle Scouts in her honor.
In addition to Scouting, Ms. Christian is active with her church. She has been a Sunday School teacher for over 30 years and is active with Beta Sigma Phi Sorority as a past officer and chairman for several events. She is also active in a bowling league, the Southernmost Country Dance Club, the Lower Keys Heart Council, and is President of the Edward B. and Joan T. Knight Foundation.
In the photo from L to R: City Manager Al Childress, Commissioners Lissette Carey and Jimmy Weekley, Velma Christian, Mayor Teri Johnston, Vice Mayor Sam Kaufman, and Commissioners Clayton Lopez and Billy Wardlow.