Luis Tovar deserving recipient of Outstanding Citizen of the Year

On March 18, the Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce gave its Outstanding Citizens award for 2022.

This year, the recipient is Luis Tovar.

One might ask, what merits this award? After reviewing the number of candidates who have been nominated, the choice comes down to a person who excels in the following qualities: He/she has a vision for southern Chester County; takes active leadership; volunteers; invests in community service; and demonstrates citizenship that positively influences the welfare of the broader community.

Luis Tovar embodies all of these qualities and more. For starters, he lives and breathes his vision of equality and fairness for all. Being of Mexican descent who naturalized at a young age, he seized the American dream of going to college and receiving a degree in Organizational Development. This was followed by meaningful professional work and raising a family of three with his devoted wife of 45 years, Dorothy.

As he came to Kennett Square in 2000, Luis commented; “I saw myself in the faces of many of the area residents.” He goes on to say that he saw their challenges as well as their value to the larger community. This new home and staying close to his roots, Luis ’vision turned into a “calling” to become an advocate for the Hispanic community.

Luis was not shy about taking leadership. He started attending Kennett Borough Council meetings and other municipal events and speaking up on behalf of the Hispanic community. He started working with local immigrant assistance programs and events, helping integrate new Hispanic members of the area through education and community events.

From 2015 to 2023, Luis led the Advisory Council on Latino Affairs (ACOLA). This group of advocates brings concerns and suggested improvements voiced by the Hispanic American residents to the monthly Kennett Borough Council meetings. One of their many efforts has resulted in the anti-discrimination ordinance that was passed in 2017.

Volunteerism and community service is Luis’s second name. His son, Jon Carlos says,” Many people volunteer yet, there are few like my Dad, who give back almost all of their free time to help others.” Beyond being an advocate for Hispanic Americans, Luis partnered with Andy Rumford, who lost his daughter, Kacie to a heroin overdose in 2013. Kacie’s Cause provides education about the opioid and heroin epidemic; facilitates support groups and provides assistance in obtaining free Narcan.

Luis leads the Kacie’s Cause parent support group. Dorothy Tovar said, “The group is not only education about addiction, but also helps parents overcome the shame and stigma that is associated with a child’s drug addiction. This is tough, heart-wrenching work for Luis. The emotional pain that parents bring to the group is what keeps Luis committed to helping, even if it means answering a phone call in the middle of the night to offer the rational support and reassurance that parents need as they navigate through the nightmare of addiction.”

Andy Rumford, in his support letter for Luis’s nomination, stated: “Luis Tovar has reached out and touched countless thousands of lives along his journey of life and would be the absolute ideal choice for “Outstanding Citizen of the Year.”

In another letter a parent with a child suffering from the disease of addiction wrote: “We had the benefit of Luis’ support, love and care. His dedication and work in the community to help citizens become educated and his fundraising efforts and time commitment for Kacie’s Cause are renowned.”

The last criterion to receive the Outstanding Citizenship Award addresses citizenship. It states: “Demonstrates citizenship that positively influences the welfare of the broader community.” It is clear from the way Luis Tovar lives his life that he values his membership as a United State citizen with the inalienable rights for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. In turn, Luis is devoting his life to helping all people achieve these inalienable rights.

A fine family man, a concerned Kennett Square resident and a dedicated citizen is Luis’ legacy. Congratulations, Luis Tovar, we are blessed to have you in our community!

The Story of Kennett – Shaping the future one child at a time” Joan Holliday and Bob George’s book on Kennett may be purchased on Amazon and at the Mushroom Cap. You may contact Joan at: dochollisv@aol.com