Heart & Soul Hero Award: Frank Sill

Frank Sill, PA Heart & Soul Hero awardee, Upper Chichester Township.

Congratulations to Frank Sill (Upper Chichester) for receiving one of the Pennsylvania Humanities Council’s first ever Pennsylvania Heart & Soul Hero Awards!

The COVID-19 crisis and subsequent shutdown brought many challenges to cities and towns across the world as they adapted to social distancing and other health and safety requirements. Despite the difficulties, Pennsylvania’s residents showed their resilience and strength by working together to meet the needs of their neighbors. 

To acknowledge some of the many people who supported their communities during this time, the Pennsylvania Humanities Council (PHC) created the Pennsylvania Heart & Soul Hero Award. The award honors local heroes in communities that PHC has partnered with through Community Heart & Soul, a humanities-based initiative that uses resident stories and community conversations to spark collective decision-making and action.   

Frank Sill, nominated by the Upper Chichester Leadership Team, was among six recipients recognized as Heart & Soul Heroes for their outstanding community service. Each awardee receives a certificate, virtual award ceremony, and a spotlight article. 

“The recipients of these awards displayed resilience, compassion, and action in time when their communities needed it most,” said Jen Danifo, PHC’s Senior Program Officer and host of the Heart & Soul Hero virtual award ceremonies. “This is what Community Heart & Soul is all about and PHC is honored to have the opportunity to uplift their work.”

Frank Sill was selected to receive a Pennsylvania Heart & Soul Hero Award for his exceptional service to the Upper Chichester community during the COVID-19 shutdown. As president of the Rotary Club and a leader in various organizations, including the Upper Chichester Historical Society, Chichester Business Association and Chichester School District Board of Education, Sill draws from a deep well of local knowledge and civic engagement experience.

When the pandemic  hit, Sill took action, tapping his robust network of community connections to help collect and distribute masks to first responders. He also worked closely with senior citizens countywide to make sure they were getting the support and assistance they needed. Finally, under Sill’s leadership, the Rotary Club was able to distribute six scholarships to graduating seniors this year, despite the loss of fundraising opportunities.

“Frank is the person you go to if you need something to get done,” said Barbara Kelley, assistant township manager. “He connects people.”