A banner year for the Chester County Council, Scouts BSA recently culminated with its Centennial Anniversary Celebration last Thursday at The Desmond in Malvern.

The Chester County Boy Scouts honored Ernie Heegard with its 2019 Distinguished Citizen Award.

The dinner is an annual event that honors an individual who has provided significant and enduring contributions to society, and who embodies the principles and values of the Scouting Program and thereby serves as exemplary role model for our young people.

Heegard is synonymous with Scouting in Chester County, and his dedication to the Chester County Council is unmatched.

In his 75 years of service to Scouting, he has enriched the lives of more than 50,000 Scouts, many of whom are the third generation in their families to have grown through the guidance that he continues to give.

Heegard entered Scouting in 1944 as a Cub Scout in Pack 78. At age 12, he joined Troop 78 (Willistown) and quickly became an integral part of the program. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout in May 1950, becoming the fourth Scout in his troop to achieve Scouting’s highest rank.

In 1948, he was inducted into the Order of the Arrow, Scouting’s society of honored campers.

He was elected Lodge Chief of Octoraro Lodge #22 in 1954, becoming the first youth in Chester County to hold that office.

Two years later, he was bestowed the Order’s highest degree, the Vigil Honor, and given the name Achgeketum, the Lenni Lenape word for “teacher.”

Outside of Scouting, Heegard is a 1956 graduate of Millersville University with a degree in Industrial Arts. He served in the U.S. Army 109th Counterintelligence Unit and taught Industrial Arts at Haverford High School for 37 years.

Past honorees of the Distinguished Citizen Award have included some of the region’s most notable business, community, and civic leaders. The slate of recipients includes:

• 2018: Joel L. Frank
• 2017: Greg Bentley
• 2016: Stephen S. Aichele
• 2015: William S. Latoff
• 2014: A. Joseph Rubino
• 2013: Paul W. Ware
• 2012: Ronald DeGregorio
• 2011: Robert E. Fenza
• 2010: James E. McErlane
• 2009: Gary W. Smith
• 2008: R. James Macaleer
• 2007: Dr. Henry A. Jordan & Mrs. Barbara M. Jordan
• 2006: Helen F. Heidelbaugh
• 2005: Dr. Madeleine Wing Adler
• 2004: Thomas A. Fillippo
• 2003: George F. Ruggeri
• 2002: Charles E. Swope

The Chester County Council was chartered on Jan. 17, 1919, and the Centennial Anniversary Celebration was one of a number of exciting activities held this year to commemorate the prestigious milestone.

Click here to learn more about the Chester County Council, Scouts BSA.