Troop 865 Dallas, Texas [Home] [Past] [Present] [Future] [Site Map]
A point system is used to calculate a score for most of the criteria. However, Scholarship, Extra-curricular Activities, Citizenship, and Scout Spirit are almost totally subjective. A sub-committee of troop leaders who are deemed to be most closely associated (on campouts, etc.) with the Scouts is given the task of evaluating each Scout for the purposes of selecting the recipient of this award.
The award is named after Monica Edith Phillips Slackney. She was born on May 4, 1923 on the feast day of St. Monica in St. Monica's Hospital in Carnes, Australia. She married Edward J. Slackney on October 9, 1943. Her nickname "Hoppy" was earned from her total enthusiasm. She was a very small woman (4'11"), kind and gentle, but very determined.
Monica's Scouting career began in 1955 as a Brownie Leader for her daughter Rosemary. In time, she became a Girl Scout leader, then a Senior Girl Scout Leader. At various times, she was the Assistant Director of the Dallas Girl Scout Chorus and a Volunteer Trainer. She was also Assistant Day Camp Director, Day Camp Director, and for six summers, a Unit Leader at Camp Whispering Cedars and Camp Rocky Point. She was a member of the American Camping Association and became a backpacking instructor. She was also an expert at repelling (which she also taught), a top-notch cook, and most proficient at first aid and knots.
After her grandson, Chris Goodwin, joined Troop 865 in 1988, Monica and her husband Ed conducted many classes in backpacking and camping skills. She also introduced the troop to freeze-dried and dehydrated foods (especially dehydrated ice cream!).
Monica became ill in late 1991, but hung on to see her grandson, Chris, receive his Eagle Award in December of that year. She died of cancer on March 4, 1992.