(October 3, 2007)

The Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America got together Wednesday night to honor a well-known community leader.

Local Attorney Ruben Bonilla, who also serves as Chairman of the Port of Corpus Christi was selected as this years distinguished citizen of the year. Bonilla accepted the award during this fund raising banquet at the Ortiz center. Bonilla, a former scout himself, says is humbled by the honor.

"This gives me an opportunity to work with my network of friends in law and the community and the Port of Corpus Christi...so the evening is really about the youth of Corpus Christi and not about myself"

Bonilla says scouting is important for young men, not only because of the rich history it has in this country, but also because of the character and discipline that it instills in virtually every member of the organization.