Solana Beach Councilman Joe Kellejian was presented with the San Diego Imperial Council of Boy Scout's distinguished citizen's award, Nov. 5 at the Del Mar Hilton.
Kellejian, who has served four terms as mayor of Solana Beach, was selected based on his community leadership, business success, and roots with the Boy Scouts.
"I came from a pretty rough area of inner-city Los Angeles," Kellejian said. "It's very easy for young people, especially in that environment, to go in a different direction. Scouting really helped me, and the understanding of the values that scouting has stayed with me to this day."
The event raised an estimated $27,000 for San Diego Imperial Council Boy Scouts. Kellejian said the money would go to various functions, including scholarships for kids.
Former San Diego Charger and local radio host Billy Ray Smith emceed the dinner ceremony, while the NFL team's Chief Operating Officer Jim Steeg gave the keynote address.
"It was a surprise and I really appreciated it," Kellejian said. "I was somewhat taken aback, but I thought it was a great, great honor."
- Jonathan Horn
Jonathan Horn Jonathan Horn covers Del Mar and Solana Beach. E-mail him with comments or questions.
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