Scott Etris selected as Berlin Lions 35th Outstanding Citizen

BERLIN ― Scott Etris of Berlin received the Berlin Lions Club's 35th Annual Outstanding Citizen Award during a banquet Nov. 2 at the borough's community building.

Bill Landis (left), vice president of the Berlin Lions Club, presents Scott Etris of Berlin with the 35th annual Outstanding Citizen Award on Nov. 2 at Berlin Community Building.
Bill Landis (left), vice president of the Berlin Lions Club, presents Scott Etris of Berlin with the 35th annual Outstanding Citizen Award on Nov. 2 at Berlin Community Building.

He was presented with the award by Lions' member Bill Landis, vice president, during the evening ceremony and Etris' family were there to show their support. Along with Etris, several other honorees of the Outstanding Citizen Award from prior years attended, including Kerry Claycomb, Thomas Calvert, Larry Shober, Gerald Parry, John Long, Rose Shaffer, Leanne Calvert and David Countryman.

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After receiving his award, Etris said that he was "humbled" to be alongside such contributing community members who have received this award in the past and that it was an "honor" to have been selected by the Berlin Lions.Etris was surrounded by his family: his wife, the former Michelle Wyant, of 32 years, and their four grown children, Laura Craig, Ashley Stockwell, Jenna Etris and Isaac Etris, spouses, six grandchildren, his mother, Suzanne Etris, and in-laws, Dave and Roberta Wyant.

Started career at Daily American

Etris started out working as a sports writer and photographer for the Daily American newspaper in the 1990s. He then opened the first of three Subway franchise restaurants in 1998. Eventually, two Chill-Out restaurants would follow. He also operated a photography studio.

In 2013, Etris found himself taking on a whole new business enterprise – the Berlin Market (formerly Harber's Riverside), where he continues to currently own and work.

He tries to never miss a chance to donate to worthy causes or volunteer his time and helps to build up the town of Berlin through his businesses. Etris is also an original member of the Berlin Brothersvalley School District Foundation.

Scott Etris was supported by his family after receiving the Berlin Lions' Outstanding Citizen Award on Nov. 2 in Berlin. They are from left, front: Suzanne Etris, Scott Etris (holding Cora Craig), Michelle Etris (holding Finley Stockwell); and Roberta Wyant (holding Camden Craig). In back: Jacob Craig (holding Crew Craig), Laura Craig, Isaac Etris, Matthew Roland, Jenna Etris, Ashley Stockwell (holding Sunnie Stockwell), Dave Wyant, and Nick Stockwell (holding Theo Stockwell).

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First and foremost, he loves spending time with his six (soon to be seven) grandchildren (Camden, Cora, Crew, Finley, Theo and Sunnie) who live close by and affectionately call him "Pops." Etris also helps beautify lawns and plow snow with his son, Isaac, who has a new landscaping company. On a slower-paced work day, Scott and Isaac can likely be found on the greens catching up over a game of golf.

A fan of all things football, Etris has always loved attending games and supporting the Pittsburgh Panthers, Steelers and the Berlin Mountaineers. He also likes to visit Disney World with his family, vacation to tropical places and spend time boating.

"Scott is the greatest example of a successful life of service work, volunteerism and a passion for growing the community and town, all the while being someone who has always been extremely humble and kind," said Landis.

This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Etris honored by Berlin Lions Club