Erin Eileen MacCord, a Sea Scout aboard the Boy Scouts of America, Colonial Virginia Council’s Sea Scout Ship 16 in Driver, was presented with Sea Scouting’s highest ranking award in a ceremony last month.

MacCord received the Quartermaster Award a Bridge of Honor and based on national records dating back to 1935, Erin is the first female in the Colonial Virginia Council to receive the award, according to a report in the council’s newsletter.

In order to earn the award, she completed six years of training, including thousands of miles of sailing and more than 100 hours of community service. She taught boating skills and conducted a major service project, taking charge of a crew on several crusies.

Over the course of her Sea Scouting career, MacCord has earned the Long Cruise Badge and several rockers, the BSA Snorkeling Badge, Mile Swim, Small Boat Handler, the Scoutfleet medal, Bronze Award for Seamanship and the US Heritage Award.

The presentation ceremony or &uot;Bridge of Honor&uot; was held in the sanctuary at Beech Grove United Methodist Church. It had a nautical flavor with many old naval traditions. Eight bells was sounded after MacCord received her medal and certificate to signify the &uot;end of her watch.&uot;

A reception followed that, in addition to some food, featured a Powerpoint slide show of her Sea Scouting history.

andy.prutsok@suffolknewsherald.com