They never saw it coming.
Kinston Mayor B.J. Murphy made sure the recipients of the 2013 Mayor’s Golden Key to the City were unaware of the honor before he called them on stage Saturday at the BBQ Festival on the Neuse in Pearson Park.
First up was Preston Brown of Boy Scout Troop 392.
“On a personal note, one of the joys I’ve had being your mayor is has been going to — throughout this community, throughout the districts — Eagle Scout ceremonies,” Murphy said. “And this man right here, he pours his heart and soul into each of one of these young men as if they were his own.”
Brown’s credited with leading the largest troop in the district, generating 18 Eagle Scouts over a period of 11 years.
“From the very bottom of my heart, I thank each and every one of you,” Brown said. “But I’ve got to tell you, I didn’t do it on my own. I learned a long time ago that if I surround myself with great men, it’ll make me better. That’s what I’ve done.”
There are currently 24 registered adult volunteers to work with 47 registered boys in the troop.
Coach Alexander “Skeet” Davis also received a key to the city for his decades of coaching Kinston’s youth. He’s credited with 15 recreational state championships, 22 regular season and regional championships and two conference championships, leading football, basketball and track teams.
“This is my coach, too. Believe it or not, he said I could play football in high school,” Murphy said, looking back toward Davis. “5-8, 140.”
Davis said he just did what was necessary.
“I don’t deserve no award — I just did what I was supposed to do. That’s what we’re here for,” Davis said.
He later added, “We’re not here to judge. We’re here to render service.”
Wes Wolfe can be reached at 252-559-1075 or wes.wolfe@kinston.com. Follow him on Twitter @WolfeReports.
