Ronald Schmiedel Honored with NESA Outstanding Eagle Scout Award
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
NESA Pittsburgh
secretary@nesa-pgh.org
Ronald Schmiedel Honored with NESA Outstanding Eagle Scout Award
Pittsburgh, PA — Nov 26, 2025 — Ronald Schmiedel, a lifelong educator and devoted Scouter, has been awarded the prestigious NESA Outstanding Eagle Scout Award (NOESA) by the Laurel Highlands Council of the Boy Scouts of America. The NOESA recognizes Eagle Scouts whose distinguished service brings honor to the principles of Scouting through local, regional, or national impact.
About Ronald Schmiedel
Born in Pittsburgh in 1954, and raised in Gibsonia, Ron earned his Eagle Scout rank on April 9, 1972, as a member of Troop 85. Known affectionately as “Archie” on camp staff for his vibrant red hair, Ron spent many formative summers at Camp Tionesta, even leading week-long canoe trips down the Allegheny River.
Ron devoted 42 years to education at Pine-Richland High School, first as an industrial arts teacher and later as a passionate advocate for gifted education. He inspired thousands of students through engineering programs, coaching roles, and mock trial sponsorships before becoming the district’s Gifted Facilitator—a position he held for over 30 years. His leadership in gifted education extended statewide through his involvement with the Pennsylvania Association for Gifted Education (PAGE), where he served on the board for over a decade, led statewide conferences, and helped shape state-level policy and gifted program development.
In 2023, PAGE honored Ron with the Neuber-Pregler Award, its highest recognition for dedicated service to gifted education.
A tireless servant to Scouting, Ron has continued his involvement as Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 329, Wood Badge Course Director (N4-527-16), and a leader within the Laurel Highlands Council Board of Directors. He has received the Seneca District Award of Merit (2011), the Silver Beaver Award (2015), and is a Vigil Honor member of the Order of the Arrow.
About the Award
The NESA Outstanding Eagle Scout Award was established in 2010 to recognize Eagle Scouts who have distinguished themselves through service, leadership, and achievement in their professional fields or communities. Recipients are nominated by their local council and represent the best of what Eagle Scouts aspire to be.
Recognition Ceremony
Ronald Schmiedel was honored at the 2024 Eagle Scout Recognition Dinner hosted by the Laurel Highlands Council at Acrisure Stadium, alongside fellow recipient Harry Kunze.
What This Means
Receiving the NOESA reflects Harry’s lifelong commitment to leadership, service, and excellence. It highlights his impact as a role model who continues to live out Scouting values in every stage of life.