Cleveland’s American Hungarian Friends of Scouting held its traditional Scout Banquet on February 22, 2026, the birthday of Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the world scout movement, in the banquet hall of Saint Emeric Roman Catholic Church. AHFS president, Dr. Steven Turoczi opened the festive program with his welcoming speech. He then introduced the Cleveland District Commissioner, Krisztina Nadas, who presented certificates of recognition to 22 new scout leaders for their rank advancement.
The White Stag “Scout Leader” Award was given to Janos Szigeti for his more than 25 years of diligent work as director of the Paul Teleki Scout Park, and to Matyas Szigeti who successfully led the Hungarian Scout Troop 14 as a patrol leader, platoon leader, assistant scoutmaster, and for six years as its scoutmaster.
The delicious meal was prepared by scout leaders Judith Gyorky and Krisztina Tabor with their support team and staff. The menu included liver dumpling soup, garden salad, braised pork with herdsman’s ragu, egg barley and Hungarian strudel for dessert. Our scouts expertly served the lunch and cleared the tables throughout the afternoon. Then, the nearly 250 guests and servers commemorated the 75th anniversary of scouting in Cleveland with the singing of the Hungarian version of “Happy Birthday” and the presentation of a celebratory cake. The first Hungarian scout troop in North America was formed in Cleveland in 1951.
Later in the afternoon, many happily went home with valuable prize baskets from the raffle! The AHFS is the governing body of the Cleveland scout troops. Thank you for your support!
See pictures from the 2026 Hungarian Scout Banquet here.
