For years, the Chester County Council, Boy Scouts of America has honored an individual with its Distinguished Citizen Award at an annual dinner.

These Distinguished Citizens have provided significant and enduring contributions to the community. They’ve embodied the principles and values of the Scouting Program and therefore served as exemplary role models for young people.

The Rev. Frank Allen, the Rector of St. David’s Episcopal Church in Wayne for almost a quarter-century, is the recipient of the 2021 Distinguished Citizen Award.

A Dallas native who graduated from Duke University with a degree in history, Rev. Allen worked for a large construction company in Philadelphia before answering his call to ministry. As the Rector of St. David’s since 1997, he has helped the historic church grow in its mission and its numbers. He has developed outreach partnerships in not only the region but also in Cuba, Guatemala, and Uganda.

Rev. Allen is currently Board Chair of St. James School in Philadelphia and a member of the Board of Trustees for the Diocese of Pennsylvania.

The Chester County Council has partnered with VISTA Today to expand the Distinguished Citizen initiative and rebranded its annual event as VISTA Leadership Megastars. The Chester County Council will host the hybrid awards reception on Sept. 14 at its new Program, Activity, and Resource Campus (PARC) in Exton.

Rev. Allen will be honored on Sept. 14, alongside the 12 VISTA Leadership Megastars who personify the 12 principles of the Scout Law: trustworthy, courteous, thrifty, loyal, kind, brave, helpful, obedient, clean, friendly, cheerful, and reverent.

The Chester County Council needs the public’s help in identifying the 12 VISTA Leadership Megastars who will also be recognized for their contributions to Chester County’s future through their character, service, vision, courage, passion, and humility. The deadline to nominate an individual for this honor has been extended to June 18.  The winners will then be announced from July 6-9 on VISTA Today.

Submit your nomination now.

Originally chartered more than 100 years ago, the Chester County Council has a rich heritage of developing character and leadership skills in youth. It serves thousands of youth each year and partners with more than 100 community organizations to deliver quality Scouting programs.

Through these programs and activities – which allow youth to try new things, provide service to others, build self-confidence, and reinforce ethical standards – Scouts develop leadership and citizenship skills that influence their lives as adults.

Click here to nominate someone for VISTA Leadership Megastars.