Levi Clauss receives Rottet Scouting Award
The Edward J. Rottet Jr Memorial Scout Award, established in 1935, was presented on Scout Sunday, Feb 1, 2026, at the Jasper Knights of Columbus. More than 80 Scouts and adults attended, including Scout Troop 185. The local scout award is based upon outstanding character and achievement.
This year’s recipient is Levi Clauss, a senior at Jasper High School. Clauss is the son of Phil and Jamie Clauss. He plans to study accounting at Indiana University.
Jason Schmitt served as master of ceremonies. Scouts Grant Durcholz and John Hasenour led the Pledge of Allegiance, the Scout Oath, and the invocation. Breakfast was prepared by K of C members.
John Seng, an Eagle Scout and adult leader of Troop 185, was the guest speaker. He recounted his scouting days and his time as an adult leader. He also leads a Canadian fishing experience. John’s four sons are Eagle Scouts.
“To serve scouting and spend time with your sons is priceless,” John stated.
Don Rottet, a cousin of Edward, spoke regarding Eddie Rottet Jr’s life and the award. He spoke of Eddie’s leadership as a scout and athlete, and Eddie’s family pedigree as a nephew of the late Coach Ed Yarborough. His son, John Rottet, announced the recipient.
Eddie Rottet was a Life Scout and star athlete at Jasper who died in 1934 at the age of 17 from typhoid fever. He excelled academically, was a leader in extracurricular activities, and excelled in every sport he participated in. He helped lead Jasper to the final four in the 1934 Indiana high school basketball tournament. When his troop unexpectedly lost its scoutmaster, he stepped in as scoutmaster and expanded activities.
The scouting award was established in 1935 and was awarded every year, except 1958, until 1960. The award was reinstated in 1980 and has been awarded annually since.
The Memorial Scout Award is presented to a local scout based on outstanding character and achievement. The 91-year-old Memorial Trophy and other memorabilia regarding Eddie can be viewed at the Dubois County Museum. The trophy displays small silver statues of a young man playing tennis, baseball and basketball.
Don Rottet pointed out that the statue of a scout adorns the top of the trophy, exemplifying Eddie’s character of living the scout law no matter what activity he pursued.
Previous Rottet Award recipients attending included Kurt Hedinger (1982), Dr. Steve Hopf (1984), Stan Klein (1986), Doug Aders (1988), Lee Knies (2013), and Blake Knies (2015).
Levi Clauss is an Eagle Scout and has earned 28 merit badges. His troop leadership positions include Troop Historian, and he has earned the Ad Altare Dei religious award. He is a senior at Jasper High School and ranks in the top 10 percent of his class. He was elected to the National Honor Society as a junior. He is a three-year member of the Student Council in addition to being a four-year member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and a two-year member of the Business Professionals of America, also serving as vice president.
Clauss contributed to the JHS Soccer team for four years and is an academic all-state. He led the team as Captain during his senior and junior years. He was the Most Valuable Player for the last two seasons, 2024 and 2025. He was the 2024 Defensive Player of the Year.
Clauss has also played JHS basketball for four years.
Clauss is an active member of Holy Family Catholic Church and, as a Young Life member, is serving as a Wyldlife Leader. As a member of Venture Crew 185, he has enjoyed high adventure, white water rafting and attended the Philmont Scout Trek in New Mexico. A member of Troop 185, his Scoutmaster is Fred Feltner and Crew Leader is Kevin Cox.
