Mike Hunter Honored with Cliff Dochterman Award for a Lifetime of Service to Scouting and Rotary

from the desk of Patrick Smith, Assistant Scout Executive

The Pecos Valley Rotary Club and the Conquistador Council honored past rotary President and past Council Commissioner Mike Hunter on August 6th with the Cliff Dochterman Award for long tenured service to Scouting America and his dedication to the Pecos Valley Rotary and Chaves County.  

Named after former Rotary International President and lifelong Scouter Cliff Dochterman, this award celebrates those who embody the spirit of “Service Above Self” while shaping the character, leadership, and citizenship of young people through Scouting. 

Mike’s dedication to Scouting runs deep. Throughout his adult life, he has served in nearly every imaginable capacity — from Charter Organization Representative and Scoutmaster to Webelos Den Leader, Merit Badge Counselor, Venturing Crew Advisor, and so much more. 

In district leadership, he has served as Training Chair, Assistant District Commissioner, District Commissioner, and Unit Commissioner. At our council level, he has held roles including Council Commissioner, Council International Representative, Training Committee member, and Council Vice President. 

Mike’s service has been recognized with Scouting’s highest honors — the District Award of Merit, the Silver Beaver, the Silver Antelope, the Vigil Honor in the Order of the Arrow, the William T. Hornaday Gold Award, and numerous commissioner and leadership recognitions. 

What truly makes Mike stand out is not just the positions he has held, but the way he has used them to strengthen relationships — between Scouting and Rotary, between leaders and families, and between our programs and the communities we serve. 

He has tirelessly advocated for youth and families to be welcomed and included in all activities. He has trained countless leaders to deliver safe, high-quality programs. He has encouraged boards and volunteers during challenging times. And in a very practical way, he has used his professional expertise in water systems to keep Wehinahpay Mountain Camp’s water safe and clean for thousands of campers across the Southwest.

Mike has been a dedicated member of the Pecos Valley Rotary Club for the past three years, serving on our board for two of them. His leadership journey continues as he served the role of President for 2024–2025. 

Mike’s energy and ideas have been invaluable. When we launched our inaugural fundraising pickleball tournament — Mike played a key role in making it a success. He has been a source of encouragement, always lifting up our board and inspiring others to get involved. 

Nomination Form

Nominate a Rotarian you know for the Cliff Dochterman Award