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Thomas J. Richards Outstanding Service Award

The Thomas J. Richards Outstanding Service Award was established by the Lodge Executive Committee in October of 2010. Tom passed away in the early morning hours of August 17th after having a seizure. The tragic incident occurred at Camp Blue Diamond where he was a teaching assistant for this year's Leadership Jumpstart class. At the time of his death, Tom was about to enter his sophomore year at Penn State University, studying political science and history. A Vigil Honor member in the lodge, he also served as the CP/UE Chairman (2006 & 2009), Vice-Chief of Administration (2007-2008), and served as the NE-5B Section Chief (2009-2010). Tom had received the Dave Fortunato outstanding service award in 2006 and the Founder's award in January 2010. Tom was an amazing friend, brother and scout. For those who knew him best in the Order of the Arrow, Tom will always be known as the one and only "Super Chief". Tom was only 19 at the time of his untimely death.

The Thoms J. Richard Award for Outstanding Service is used to recognize those youth Arrowmen who do exactly that: serve their lodge, Unami, One, to an outstanding degree. Unselfish service and an exemplary performance of one's role in the lodge are the main factors considered by the selection committee.


Award Recipients

2010 2011 2012 2013
Jon Messerschmidt Sean Bobbie
Steven Mach
Donald Potts Jr.


Last updated Jannuary 16, 2012