Teddy and Chasity Reese Honored with Whitney M. Young Jr. Service Award

13th annual banquet celebrates community leadership, service and Scouting in the Chattahoochee Valley

Georgia state Rep. Teddy Reese and his wife, Dr. Chasity Reese, were honored with the 2026 Whitney M. Young Jr. Service Award during the 13th Annual Whitney M. Young Jr. National Service Award Dinner on Tuesday, Sept. 29, at Green Island Country Club in Columbus.

Presented by Scouting America’s Chattahoochee Council, the award recognizes individuals who demonstrate outstanding leadership and service while helping expand opportunities for young people through Scouting and community involvement.

The annual dinner drew community leaders, elected officials and Scouting supporters from across the Chattahoochee Valley to celebrate the Reese’s and raise awareness of the role Scouting plays in developing leadership, character and service among young people.

Georgia House Minority Leader Carolyn Hugley served as the keynote speaker. She was joined by her husband, Columbus Mayor-elect Isaiah Hugley.

U.S. Rep. Sanford Bishop and his wife Vivian Bishop also attended the event and joined others in highlighting the positive impact Scouting programs have on young people, families and communities throughout the region.

The Whitney M. Young Jr. Service Award is named in honor of the noted civil rights leader and former executive director of the National Urban League. The award recognizes individuals and organizations that provide distinguished service to youth, particularly through efforts to expand Scouting opportunities in underserved communities.

The Columbus dinner marked its 13th year of recognizing local leaders whose commitment to service reflects Young’s legacy of creating opportunity and strengthening communities.

For Teddy and Chasity Reese, the recognition highlighted not only their professional accomplishments but also their commitment to service and community engagement.

The evening also served as a celebration of Scouting in the Chattahoochee Valley and its continuing mission to prepare young people for leadership through character development, citizenship and service.