Medfield Lions Present Jim Hatch with "Heart of the Lion" Award

Medfield Lions Club Heart of a Lion Award 2024

The Medfield Lions Club "Heart of a Lion” award was presented to Medfield Troop 89 Scoutmaster, Jim Hatch at the Lions Club April Dinner meeting.

This award is annually awarded to an individual who resides in Medfield and is NOT a member of the Medfield Lions Club.

Medfield Lions nominate "Heart of a Lion" candidates who they think qualify for this award as well as vote to determine who will receive the award. The winner will receive a $100 check to the charity of their choice.

By definition the term 'lion-heart' is used for a person who possesses exceptional courage, fortitude, is brave and fearless.

Criteria is:

• Individual who goes above and beyond expectations (if appointed or elected town official, must be outside of their ordinary scope of responsibilities
• Humble
• Extraordinary work ethic
• Possess the “Spirit” of a Lion and endorses our motto of “We Serve”
• Civic-minded

Jim Hatch

Jim Hatch's years of dedication and service to Scouting in Medfield has made a positive impact on our Medfield community and more importantly the youths of scouting who follow his leadership. Jim has been involved in Scouting in Medfield for the better part of more than 14 years.

Here are some of the actions and leadership that exemplify why Jim is a worthy recipient of this award.

• Cub Scout Pack 200 Cubmaster for at years, even as his sons moved on to Boy Scouts.
• Scout Master of Boy Scout Troop 89
• Even now as Jim is stepping away from the Scout Master role, he has generously accepted the volunteer role of Committee Chair.
• Within Cub Scouts - Jim led the boys in monthly meetings, overnight trips, the annual popcorn fundraiser and the ever-popular Pine Wood Derby.
• Moving to Boys Scouts the demand was even larger and Jim graciously accepted this role
• Participated in countless Scoutmaster meetings, District and Council meetings, Patrol Leadership, hiking, overnight trips, and more.
• Led a District Boy Scout Camporee at Medfield State Hospital

• In terms of service, Jim has led the boys in many civic minded activities:
  • Earth Day Clean Up
  • Vine Lake Clean-Up
  • Memorial Day Parade
  • Holiday Parade
  • Directed Eagle Service Projects back to the Medfield Community
  • Scouting for Food Drives
  • Physical movement of the Food Cupboard from the UCC to the West Street location
  • Opening and closing of The Swap every season
  • Christmas Tree recycling
  • Volunteer parking attendants at Medfield High School events
  • Volunteer parking attendants at State Championship Baseball games held in town

• He's committed to leaving no youth out of scouting that wants to be in scouting. Establishing a scholarship of sorts to ensure no one is turned away.

• He's gone above and beyond outside our own Troop or town. When another Troop in Massachusetts lost their Scout Shed to fire, Jim collected funds to help get them back on their feet. Jim personally purchased and built a storage trailer that houses the Pine Wood Derby tracks.

Although Jim has been in these roles for so long, it has never been about him. It's always been about the Troop or the youth. He's guided the youth through countless merit badges and rank advancements to keep them on their trail to Eagle. He's always made the extra effort for the youth. Greater than 50% of the scouts that enter Troop 89 make it to Eagle... the national average is somewhere around 11%, much of this to the testament of Jim's dedication to Scouting.

In addition to his years in Scouting, Jim has also been very active in Medfield Little League and Medfield Youth Soccer.

The greatest all of his activities and accomplishments has been and continues to be the example he has set and the impact he's had on the youth of the community.

There's a reason why Troop 89 is so visible in Medfield. The youth see the example set in front of them by their Scoutmaster and they respond to any call. Jim has led by example and developed a legacy of service-minded youth maturing into service-minded adults that represent Troop 89 and Medfield with the highest character.