VISTA Leadership Megastars — a new initiative that the Chester County Council, Boy Scouts of America launched in May in conjunction with VISTA Today — is ready to unveil is inaugural class of honorees.

For years, the Chester County Council hosts its Distinguished Citizen Dinner in honor of a community leader who exemplifies the ideals of Scouting in his/her daily life and improves the quality of life in Chester County. Rev. Frank Allen, the Rector of St. David’s Episcopal Church in Wayne since 1997, has been selected as this year’s Distinguished Citizen for his contributions to the Chester County community.

In partnership with VISTA Today, the Chester County Council has expanded upon this tradition to create VISTA Leadership Megastars and will recognize an additional 12 Chester County leaders who are shaping the county’s future through their leadership as demonstrated by their character, service, vision, courage, passion, and humility. Those who are selected to receive this honor also embody the 12 Principles of the Boy Scout Law — Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent— and therefore serve as an exemplary role model for young people.

After giving the public a two-month window to nominate individuals for VISTA Leadership Megastars, the selection committee is excited to announce the 12 winners! Nominees were evaluated based on their:

• leadership (public profile, reputation)
• business success (financial results, career milestones)
• community involvement (volunteer work, advocacy)
• influence (impact on their community, company, industry, or on Chester County’s overall quality of place)

Later this summer, VISTA Today will publish the profiles of each VISTA Leadership Megastar culminating with a hybrid awards reception hosted by the Chester County Council at its new Program, Activity, and Resource Campus (PARC) in Exton.  

Sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more information, contact Sarah Ponzio at sarah.ponzio@scouting.org or 610-696-2900 x 121.

VISTA Today has already revealed eight of the 12 VISTA Leadership Megastars. The next pair is:

• Louis Teti, Partner, MacElree Harvey
• Ed Herr, CEO, Herr Foods

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.