KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Great Smoky Mountain Council of the Boy Scouts of America has named U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander as the Council Alumnus of the Year.

The council honored Alexander for applying throughout his career the skills and values he learned as a Boy Scout.

Alexander received the award at the council's annual volunteer dinner last week in Knoxville. The award is the National Scouting Alumni Association's highest council recognition. Alexander is the Great Smoky Mountain Council's first recipient.

In a news release from Alexander's office, he praised the council for its work in providing boys and girls with opportunities in science, technology, engineering and math.

The release said Alexander earned his Eagle Scout award in 1954 in Maryville and was presented the Distinguished Eagle Scout award in 1983.