Dwayne Walton, who was born in Guyana in South America and immigrated to Brooklyn when he was six years old, is the Executive Director of The Parkesburg Point Youth Center, a nonprofit with a mission to empower youth and their families to live victoriously by offering a safe, engaging, and Spirit-filled environment.

Walton, who possesses a bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies from Cairn University, is proud to have overseen the growth and expansion of The Point since 2005.

“I’ve been blessed with a visionary board, generous donors, a supportive community, and a hardworking staff, and in 2013, we opened the doors to a 33,000-square-foot community center with two buildings on four and a half acres,” he said. “We have grown our capacity and are able to address the physical, emotional, academic, and spiritual needs of our constituents, while drawing from all parts of Chester County. Having a state-of-the-art facility that is safe and a staff who are committed to engaging young people with love and understanding has allowed us to impact thousands of young people.”

Walton offered his thoughts on what makes a great leader.

“A successful leader listens to his/her staff and constituents and recognizes that his/her job is to serve and develop other leaders,” he said. “I feel that I inspire others because I tend to see the gifts in people who may underestimate themselves. I try to show them what’s inside of them and help them move toward developing those skill and gifts.”

Of the 12 Principles of the Scout Law — Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent — Walton believes that “Obedient” has had the greatest impact on his career and life.

“I had a lot of people who came alongside me to mentor and develop me,” he said. “In every instance, they expected a lot from me and gave me things to do and challenged me to change my thinking and behavior. I figured that these men and women were gifts from God and that they would not lead me wrong, so I listened to them. I was obedient, and it has paid off.

The Chester County Council, Boy Scouts of America will honor Walton and the 11 other VISTA Leadership Megastars at a hybrid awards ceremony on Sept. 14 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.