3 area residents honored at scouting breakfast
Pastor Dennis Stitch, Joe Ravasio and Edward Stasko Sr. were recognized for their years of service to the community.
Pastor Dennis Stitch, Joe Ravasio and Edward Stasko Sr. were recognized for their years of service to the community.
The Scouting America Laurel Highlands Council’s Eagle Valley District held the Mon Valley Community Awards Breakfast in the Anthony L. Lombardi Education Conference Center at Penn Highlands Mon Valley.
Nearly 100 people attended the event, which also featured speeches about the benefits of scouting.
Stitch, who received the Distinguished Citizen Award, said he was “very humbled” by the honor.
“I always say that God gives us all gifts in life, and what we do with those gifts is our gift back to him,” Stitch said.
Stitch discussed the effectiveness of praying, using an example in his own life.
Stitch told the crowd he prayed to win a vacation through a competition at his workplace in the pharmaceutical industry.
“I earned the award, as they say, and my beautiful wife and I earned the trip,” Stitch said. “I don’t share that with you to brag or boast. I share that with you because there’s power in prayer.”
Ravasio, who holds Bible study for Ringgold elementary students and an annual prayer breakfast for Ringgold seniors, received the Lou Panza Servant Citizen Award.
Ravasio spent 27 years in Ringgold as a teacher and coach.
Retired U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. David Papak introduced Ravasio prior to the award recipient’s speech.
“(Ravasio) lives to develop young people from a moral, spiritual and ethical standpoint,” Papak said. “And that, to me, far surpasses anything athletically that anybody could ever do.”
Stasko, who participates in veteran outreach programs and collects household items and clothing for those in need, received the Community Award.
He also places 150 candles throughout Belle Vernon during Christmastime each year.
In his speech, Stasko talked about the importance of helping others.
“Everybody’s got to get together to help,” Stasko said. “Give me five minutes of your time, I’ll take 10. We can do it together. Don’t do it by yourself. If you need help, ask — it’s out there.”
Ringgold High School senior Logan Neidermeyer, an Eagle Scout, told the crowd how scouting has positively impacted his life.
“There are so many opportunities in (scouting) that I feel are not available elsewhere,” Neidermeyer said. “There are so many community service driven things throughout all of scouting. To advance through the ranks, you need a certain number of hours. So throughout the whole process, you’re out there getting involved, getting exposed to different concepts, different topics.”
Neidermeyer plans to attend the United States Naval Academy after high school.
“I honestly can’t say I could have gotten there without scouting,” he said.
