Frank Byrd III

Byrd, a West Chester resident and senior at Devon Prep, has been named one of more than 4,500 candidates in the 2018 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.

The candidates were selected from nearly 3.6 million students expected to graduate from U.S. high schools this year. Inclusion in the program, now in its 54th year, is one of the highest honors bestowed upon a graduating senior.

Scholars are selected on the basis of superior academic and artistic achievements, leadership qualities, strong character, and involvement in community and school activities. A distinguished panel of educators will select 600 semifinalists in early April. The Commission on Presidential Scholars, a group of up to 32 eminent citizens appointed by the President, will select the finalists, and the U.S. Department of Education will announce the Scholars in May.

Chester County Sheriff’s Office

Two deputy sheriffs who handle dogs and one who doggedly delivers civil papers received promotions recently.

“Each of these deputies has earned the promotion and rank,” Chester County Sheriff Carolyn “Bunny” Welsh said of Brian Bolt, Paul Bryant, and Steven Vitale.

“The addition of Cpl. Bolt and Sgt. Bryant will give us a strong chain of command in the K-9 Unit. With his years of experience, Cpl. Vitale will provide outstanding leadership in the civil division. We’re proud of all of them.”

Advertisement

Chester County Women’s Services

CCWS, a crisis pregnancy medical center that served more than 2,000 women and families with medical and educational visits last year, has opened its new West Chester location at 139 West Market Street.

“By positioning CCWS in the heart of West Chester, our footprint will be more visible,” said Executive Director Myriam Ruager.

The center is open and serving families now, but there is still a large need for new furniture and organization solutions.

“We want each woman and family who walks through our doors to immediately feel welcomed and comforted,” said Ruager. “Having new furniture and decor will help us create a feeling of serenity for our community.”

Human Services, Inc.

Human Services, Inc. will hold its first annual Recovery Gala on April 26 at the Downingtown Country Club to raise awareness and money for people who are impacted by mental illness and homelessness.

Although Chester County is one of the nation’s wealthiest areas, it is not immune from the issue of homelessness. In the winter of 2015, Chester County was home to 682 homeless individuals while Human Services, Inc. fielded more than 25,000 unduplicated phone calls from residents seeking rental assistance, Social Security Income benefits, and other information.

Human Services, Inc. is seeking sponsors for the Recovery Gala. Please contact Outreach Coordinator Lindsey Gehman at lgehman@hsi-cmhs.org for more information.

Downingtown-Thorndale Regional Chamber of Commerce

The DTRCC is seeking nominations for Citizen of the Year, Business of the Year, and Community Organization/Nonprofit of the Year.

Nomination forms and guidelines for all three awards are available here. The deadline for submission is March 16. Awards will be presented at the chamber’s annual dinner on April 24 at the Downingtown Country Club.