Scout of the Year Rises From Lemont’s Boy Scout Troop 49

Surrounded by his fellow scouts and veterans from wars across history, Lemont’s Boy Scout Troop 49 and members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 5819 honored Chris Kenny as "Scout of the Year."

The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) is a youth organization that “aims to prepare young people for lives of impact and purpose,” states the BSA’s about page. With a plethora of leadership opportunities and outdoor adventures, scouts can gain important life skills the moment they join their local troop.

Every year, BSA and the VFW collaborate to select one Scout of the Year in recognition of “their standout citizenship, patriotism and love of country,” according to the VFW’s award page. On May 10, Kenny was presented the award by Bob Rose, commander of VFW Post 5819, for his display of those principles throughout his scouting journey.

“I really didn’t notice the impact I made until very recently,” Kenny said in his speech after being handed the certificate. “I’m really happy with everything I’ve done, and I’m not done yet.” He will also be recognized by the VFW at the state level in Springfield, Ill. later this month, the same day he graduates from high school.

Within the application Kenny had to submit to be considered for the award, he was required to submit three letters of recommendation. One of those letters came from his Scoutmaster in Troop 49, Chris Janusz.

Janusz has remained an active leader inside Troop 49 for the past eight years with three of his own children becoming scouts themselves. When Kenny asked him if he’d be willing to write a letter of recommendation, there was no hesitation.

“It’s Chris Kenny. (The) kid does everything,” Janusz said. “(He’s) very into the community, very into his country (and) very proud to be a scout and shows it.”

Lemont's VFW Post 5819 members and scouts from Troop 49 stand in honor of Kenny's recognition for Scout of the Year. (Photo by Nick Karmia)

When it comes to Kenny’s influence on others, Janusz has seen first-hand how he’s positively impacted the troop. As a scoutmaster, he’s always strived to provide a fun but meaningful environment for scouts like Kenny.

“We try to keep scouting fun and engaging while they're learning skills practical for life,” Janusz said. “We've slept in submarines (and) museums; We've gone to caves. We've done so much.”

Alongside his leadership roles, community service and obtaining the rank of Eagle Scout, Kenny will be attending his third high adventure in New Mexico on a 12 day long trek stretching 87 miles. But this constant passion for involvement hasn’t always been easy.

After taking part in scouting since he was 8-years-old, in 2019, Kenny was starting to slowly become inactive in his troop. That same inactivity became exasperated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I changed a lot during the pandemic,” Kenny said. “I was seeing people, but I was still kind of lonely and depressed. When I went to (a) troop meeting again, everything just clicked.”

From that one meeting, Kenny saw the chance to make his big scouting comeback while also realizing his internal desire to impact others.

“In 2021, I started going to troop meetings again,” Kenny said. “I was like, ‘I want to do something here. I want to make an impact. I'm starting off late, but I want to leave a mark.’”

After getting back into the scouting experience, Kenny focused his attention on the Order of the Arrow (OA), the honor society of BSA that brings in scouts who’re elected in by their fellow troop members. Wanting to continue his impact, he became chief of his OA chapter and served on numerous committees.

"I've done something here. I've left a mark on the lodge,” Kenny said. “I've helped build our chapter up from nothing to an amazing community.”

While Kenny plans to run for a different OA position that will allow him to oversee multiple chapters, he will surely never forget what scouting in general has taught him.

“I'm going to carry everything I've learned, especially the leadership,” Kenny said.

And Kenny’s recognition as Scout of the Year doesn’t just show what Troop 49 can accomplish.

“I think it's definitely a gold star for the community and for scouting in general, especially scouting in Lemont,” Janusz said.

In Fall 2024, Kenny plans on attending the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to pursue a career in psychology.

Those interested in getting involved with Troop 49 can find them at their weekly meetings, Thursdays from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. at the Lemont United Methodist Church located on 25 W. Custer St.