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Flagler County Scouting America honors Sue Freytag, celebrates future leaders at Golden Eagle Dinner

Community leaders and Scouts gathered Monday evening to celebrate the next generation of leaders and recognize decades of service by the Freytag family

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  • | 2:10 p.m. May 19, 2026
  • Palm Coast Observer
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Community leaders, Scouts and supporters gathered Monday evening at Grand Haven Golf Club for the Flagler County Scouting America Golden Eagle Dinner, an event celebrating leadership, character and community service while honoring longtime philanthropists Peter and Sue Freytag for their impact across Flagler County.

Hosted by John Subers of the AdventHealth Foundation, the dinner highlighted the mission of Scouting America and featured speeches from local Scouts Mia Devivo, Benton Forrester and Abigail Simms, each sharing personal stories about how Scouting shaped their leadership, confidence and character. 

Subers opened the evening by emphasizing the importance of character-driven leadership, noting that Scouting has helped shape generations of leaders across the country.

“Character is what sustains greatness,” Subers said. “Scouting is built to develop not just successful individuals, but leaders of character prepared to make a difference in their communities and their lives.” 

The event also highlighted the local impact of Scouting, with organizers noting more than 400 Scouts participate across Flagler County in over 20 units supported by more than 80 volunteers. 

Mia Devivo spoke about how Scouting intentionally teaches leadership and service, especially in a world increasingly shaped by social media and outside pressures.

“The true test of a man’s character is what he does when no one is watching,” Devivo said, quoting legendary basketball coach John Wooden. “Scouting creates environments where young people practice ethical decision making over and over again.” 

Abigail Simms shared stories from her four years in Scouting, including earning her scuba diving merit badge and participating in leadership roles and community ceremonies.

“Scouting has pushed me outside of my comfort zone, taught me leadership, introduced me to incredible people, and given me experiences I honestly never would have had otherwise,” Simms said. 

Simms also reflected on the values taught through the Scout oath and law.

“Those aren’t just words we memorize,” Simms said. “They become part of who we are.” 

Eagle Scout Benton Forrester discussed how Scouting prepared him for leadership challenges, including overseeing large events and participating in a 12-day trek at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico.

“There’s something special about spending 12 days in the backcountry with people who were strangers a year before and by the end feel like your family,” Forrester said. 

Forrester also encouraged attendees to continue investing in future Scouts through financial support.

“When you give tonight, you’re not just supporting a program,” Forrester said. “You’re shaping who we become when it matters most.” 

The evening concluded with the presentation of the Golden Eagle honor to Sue Freytag and the late Peter Freytag, recognized for decades of philanthropic work supporting education, health care, arts and nonprofit organizations throughout Flagler County. Subers detailed the couple’s longtime involvement with organizations including the Flagler County Education Foundation, AdventHealth Palm Coast Foundation, Flagler College and numerous local community initiatives. 

Peter Freytag passed away in December, just two months before his 90th birthday, Subers said during the ceremony. 

Accepting the honor, Sue Freytag reflected on her own experience in Scouting and the importance of leadership opportunities for young people.

“We didn’t have the amount of opportunities that the young people have, but we did have the Scouting program,” Freytag said. “They’re the leaders of tomorrow.” 

 

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