Phoenixville Mayor Peter Urscheler has been named one of the nation’s Ten Outstanding Young Americans for 2019.

Each year, Ten Outstanding Young Americans (TOYA) presented by JCI USA seeks to recognize the accomplishments of 10 young people who are truly outstanding in the areas of business or entrepreneurial accomplishment, political achievement, or humanitarian or voluntary leadership.

JCI USA was founded in 1920 as the original member of the Junior Chamber Movement. JCI USA’s mission is to develop opportunities that empower young people to create positive change.

“I’m honored to have been selected to receive this prestigious award,” said Urscheler. “I’m also incredibly humbled to be able to represent the Phoenixville community on the national stage. We are the quintessential story of a Pennsylvania steel town – strong and innovative. Working together, we have risen from the ashes and reinvented ourselves. I’m simply a reflection of all the incredible people in my community and in my life. This award is for them.”

Urscheler, a first-generation American, took office in January 2018 at 34 years old, making him the youngest mayor in Phoenixville’s 170-year history. He oversees a 31-person police force that serves nearly 20,000 residents. As an elected official, Urscheler has worked to champion several causes such as affordable housing, increased services for senior citizens, public transportation, reducing the educational attainment gap for economically disadvantaged families, total equality protections, and environmental sustainability.

The Ten Outstanding Young Americans program (TOYA) is one of the oldest and most prestigious recognition programs in America. Annually since 1938, JCI USA has sought out 10 young people, under the age of 40, who best exemplify the finest attributes of America’s youthful achievers. Urscheler and the other members of the list will be honored at the 81st annual black-tie awards ceremony on Sept. 28 in Corpus Christi, Texas.

“The 2019 Ten Outstanding Young Americans are truly accomplished individuals in their fields, as well as in creating positive change within their communities,” said Tricia Buehne, 2019 National President for JCI USA. “These 10 individuals represent the best and the brightest of young people in America, and we should strive to emulate them in our everyday actions. Each honoree has shown a commitment to that hope, reminding all Americans that no problem is too difficult when handled with grace, ingenuity, courage, and determination.”

Previous honorees include Arthur Ashe (1968), Bill Clinton (1979), John F. Kennedy (1946), Dick Cheney (1976), Kurt Warner (2010), Wayne Newton (1977), Gale Sayers (1969), and Elvis Presley (1970).

Urscheler is a first-generation American who grew up in Tavares, Fla., as the only child of Norma and Emil Urscheler.

Norma was born in the Philippines and rose from extreme poverty to the forefront of medical innovation, working with many world-renowned medical pioneers. Emil was born in Switzerland and began his career as a professional soccer player and later became a master craftsman specializing in Victorian furniture.

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