On October 15, the Heart of America Council honored Polsinelli Chairman and CEO, Russ Welsh, with the 2015 Distinguished Citizen Award. The Distinguished Citizen Award honors an individual or company in the Kansas City area for their efforts in making a distinct difference in the fabric of our community.
This year’s event raised more than $358,000 with proceeds benefiting the council’s Scoutreach program, a program that brings the values and life skills of Scouting to young people in Kansas City’s urban core. Also featured at this year’s dinner was the presentation of two $10,000 college scholarships to local Eagle Scouts.
Gilberto Ortiz
2015 Russ Welsh Scholarship
Gilberto Ortiz is an Eagle Scout from Troop 1080 in the Pioneer Trails District. He is a Firebuilder in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say and has served his troop as Senior Patrol Leader. While in high school he developed a passion for robotics and also participated in science, swimming, and band. Gilberto is currently an engineering major at Missouri University of Science & Technology.
Steven Ozaki
2015 Ewing Marion Kauffman Scholarship
Steven Ozaki is an Eagle Scout from Troop 60 in the Pelathe District. Steven has held numerous Scouting positions, most notably Order of the Arrow Lodge Chief and Junior Assistant Scoutmaster. His high school achievements include National Honor Society, Boys’ State and membership in the FYI Club which focuses on leadership and drug and alcohol prevention. Steven is a freshman at the University of Kansas and plans to pursue a career in international business.
The evening also included a special tribute to Scouting thanks to our friends at the downtown Kansas City Marriott. The iconic fleur-de-lis towered above the Kansas City skyline proving once again that our town is a Scouting town. Special thanks to our sponsors, all who attended this year's event, and our 2015 Distinguished Citizen Award Dinner Chairman, John Petersen.