Join Scouting America Garden State Council at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at the Wildwoods Convention Center for the 2026 Cape May County Distinguished Citizens Award Reception, an evening celebrating exceptional leaders whose service and leadership have made a lasting impact on Cape May County and beyond.
Led by Event Chair Matt Craig and the Cape May County event committee, this annual event brings together business, civic, and community leaders for an evening of networking, a cocktail reception, dinner, and award presentations, all while supporting local Scouting programs that help prepare young people for future success.
This year, we are proud to honor Assemblyman Antwan L. McClellan, Assemblyman Erik K. Simonsen, and Barbara Stafford Jones, President and CEO of the Cape May County Chamber of Commerce, in recognition of their leadership, service, and commitment to strengthening Cape May County.
Your support directly benefits Scouting America Garden State Council, serving more than 4,500 youth annually across southern New Jersey by providing opportunities for adventure, mentorship, personal growth, and experiences that prepare young people for life.
Be part of this special evening as we celebrate outstanding community leadership and invest in the future of Scouting throughout southern New Jersey. To register, become a sponsor, or learn more about supporting the event, please use the registration button below.
Unable to attend but still want to make an impact? Contributions to the Garden State Council are always welcome.
Antwan McClellan has been an assemblyman since 2019, serving as Republican whip from 2022 until 2024 and currently serves as the Deputy Minority Leader for the Assembly Republican Caucus. In 2026, he was also elected as Chaplain for the New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus. A lifelong resident of Ocean City, McClellan has deep roots in the community, where he lives with his wife, Angela. They have a daughter and a grandson. He served as a councilman from 2012 to 2019, and as a member of the Ocean City Board of Education from 2010 to 2012. Additionally, he serves as a trustee on the Ocean City Historical Museum and as Vice President of the Ocean City Tabernacle. He volunteers for the South Jersey Field of Dreams, which provides the opportunity for special needs children to participate in sports programs.
A 1993 Ocean City High School graduate, McClellan attended Virginia State University and Old Dominion University. He works as a public information officer and personnel director in the Cape May County Sheriff’s Office. Assemblyman McClellan serves on the Assembly Appropriations Committee, the Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness Committee, the Assembly Tourism, Gaming and the Arts Committee, the Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee, and was a member of the Select Committee on Ballot Design. He also is a Commissioner on the Amistad Commission.
Erik Simonsen has been an assemblyman since 2019.
A lifelong resident of Lower Township and Cape May, he currently resides in Lower Township with his wife, Anna. Together they have two daughters. He previously served as Councilman and then Mayor of Lower from 2011 to 2020.
Simonsen graduated from the College of New Jersey with a degree in fine arts. After earning a degree in special education from Rutgers University, he attended the University of Scranton where he received a master’s in educational administration.
Simonsen recently retired after 30 plus years serving as a special education teacher at Cape May County Special Services School District, an Assistant Principal, a Wrestling Coach, and as the Athletic Director at Lower Cape May Regional High School.
Simonsen has a diverse background beyond elected office. He is a singer, songwriter and front man of the band Twelve01. He also serves as a Deacon for the Historic Macedonia Baptist Church located in Cape May and is an avid endurance athlete.
Assemblyman Simonsen serves on the Assembly Oversight, Reform and Federal Relations Committee, the Assembly Education Committee, the Assembly State and Local Government Committee, and the Joint Committee on Public Schools Committee.
President, Cape May County Chamber of Commerce
Barbara Stafford Jones is President and CEO of the Cape May County Chamber of Commerce, where she leads efforts to strengthen the local business community, advance tourism, and support economic and community development throughout Cape May County. Before joining the Chamber, she was co-owner of SERVPRO of Cape May and Cumberland Counties.
A dedicated community leader, Barbara serves on the Atlantic Cape Community College Board of Trustees and the boards of the Cape May County Coast Guard Community Foundation, New Jersey Tourism Industry Association, Cumberland–Salem–Cape May Workforce Development Board, and Cape May County Women’s Commission. She has also served numerous business, education, tourism, and nonprofit organizations throughout South Jersey and New Jersey.
Originally from Ireland, Barbara studied Legal Studies at Trinity College Dublin and now resides in Cape May Court House. Her professional leadership, civic involvement, and longstanding commitment to Cape May County have made a meaningful impact on the region’s businesses, residents, and communities.
