VISTA Today unveiled its 2022 Class of VISTA Millennial Superstars, an initiative presented by Penn State Great Valley, in a much-anticipated, four-part series this week.

Profiles of our 40 honorees will be published on VISTA Today beginning Monday, March 28 and running every day leading up to the Awards Reception & Celebration on May 10 at Penn State Great Valley.

The in-person event will be held outdoors under tents and feature food trucks, drinks, touchless registration, a VIP tent, and boundless opportunities to network. It will also be live-streamed.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit Handi-Crafters, a Thorndale-based nonprofit that empowers individuals with disabilities to live more productive, independent, and fulfilling lives.

VISTA Today will also recognize Kathryn Thompson, a Handi-Crafters client who works in the organization’s production center and at Kohl’s as a sales associate, as an honorary member of the 2022 Class of VISTA Millennial Superstars.

Thompson, 30, has attended the nonprofit’s pre-vocational work program for the past 10 years, since finishing high school. She set goals for herself throughout that time and made consistent progress to the point of obtaining and maintaining competitive employment at Kohl’s, where she was named Employee of the Month in February.

“Kathryn is always willing to get the job done and does exceptional work,” said Joe Tankle, Executive Director at Handi-Crafters. “She’s not only dependable, empathetic, and a team player, but also an advocate for all individuals with disabilities. She puts all her effort into everything she does.”

“Kathryn is an inspirational social butterfly and enjoys helping others,” said Laura Martin, Program Specialist at Handi-Crafters. “She’s outgoing and has a positive attitude.”

“Having a job of my own makes me feel more independent and more normal,” said Thompson.

The management team at Kohl’s praised Thompson, saying, “She has been knocking her new e-learning modules out of the park and is greeting customers always with a smile and a helpful hand.”

Sponsors are still being sought for the Awards Reception & Celebration. Click here to learn more about the various opportunities available to partner with VISTA Today as it honors Chester County’s next generation of leaders.