He gave them more than a decade of dedicated public service, and on Friday they gave him a robust standing ovation and the local business world’s highest honor.

Former Kennett Square Mayor and Borough Council President Leon Spencer is the Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce’s milestone 50th Outstanding Citizen honoree, according to a Daily Local News report by Chris Barber.

“They cheered him on and gave him a standing ovation when he concluded his acceptance speech,” the article stated.

And despite his years as a community champion, “I was surprised when they told me,” Spencer said, “and I had only had two other times in my life when I was that surprised.”

The Kennett Square native was presented with the SCCCC award during a ceremony at Longwood Gardens.

“He always has time to listen to your voices,” said award presenter and past SCCCC Outstanding Citizen Dave Haradon. “He lives his Christian faith.”

Read more of Spencer’s story and the SCCCC award in the Daily Local News here.

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