NORWICH – The Baden-Powell Council of the Boy Scouts of America has announced that George Echentile is this year’s recipient of the 2011 Distinguished Citizen of the Year award for Chenango County.

Echentile, of Norwich, will be honored at a dinner to be held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 12, at the Canasawacta Country Club. Selection was made for the award by a committee which includes past recipients, and is co-chaired by Dave and Mary El Emerson. Last year’s recipient was Daryl Forsythe.

This is the 26th Annual Distinguished Citizen of the Year dinner benefiting the local Scouting program. Each year the Scouts recognize local community leaders for their outstanding contribution to the betterment of the community and service to their fellow citizens.