Am-Pol Eagle Citizen of the Year Award

The Am-Pol Eagle Citizen of the Year Award is given out by the weekly Polish American newspaper the Am-Pol Eagle. The award is given to individuals and organizations in the Polish American community "in recognition of outstanding service and unselfish contributions on the behalf of the Polish-American cause" in various fields. There are 25 different categories but each category may not have a winner every year. The award is considered to be one of the highest honors given within the Polish-American community. page 51. Polish American Studies, 1968. The Am-Pol Eagle, published in Buffalo, New York, was founded in 1960 by Matthew Pelczynski who was known as "the voice of the Polish-American community."Polish American studies (2002), Vols 59-60, p. 44

Am-Pol Eagle Citizen of the Year Award recipients National 2013 – None 2012 – None 2011 – None 2008 – Anthony Bajdek 2007 – Christian Holocaust Survivors 2006 – Deborah M. Majka 2005 – Bozenna Urbanowicz Gilbride 2004 – Edward Rowny 2003 – Kaya Ploss 2002 – None 2001 – Susanne Lotarski 2000 – Les Kuszynski 1999 – Edward Pinkowski 1998 – James Pawelczyk 1997 – Michael Preisler 1996 – Stanley Milewski 1995 – Myra Lenard 1994 – Adam Maida 1993 – David Bonior 1992 – Edward G. Dykla 1981 – Aloysius Mazewski 1980 – Michael Kogutek 1979 – Carl Yastrzemski 1978 – John G. Fray 1977 – Alfred Abramowicz D.D 1976 – Zbigniew Brzezinski 1975 – Mitchell Kobelinski 1974 – Bobby Vinton 1973 – Barbara Mikulski 1972 – Eugene Kusielewicz

Art/Drama 2013 – Anna Gabryszak 2012 – Roman Kujawa 2011 – Tod Kniazuk 2009 – Rev. Walter Madej 2008 – Chopin Singing Society of Buffalo's production of Flis 2007 – None 2006 – Ron Urbanczyk 2005 – Brittany Mruczek 2004 – Kazimierz Braun 2003 – None 2002 – Gary Witkowski 2001 – Mark David Skura 2000 – Ted Pietrzak 1999 – Thoman Kazmierczak III 1998 – Thadeusz Pyzikiewicz 1997 – Fred Szatkowski 1996 – Kate Koperski 1995 – Tom Dudzick 1994 – Melva Wrobel 1993 – Thea Zastempowski 1992 – Christine Nowak 1981 – Louis F. Dlugosz 1980 – Laura Dory 1979 – George Lukasiewicz 1978 – Benedict T. Rozek 1977 – Alice Wadowski-Bak 1976 – Thomas Banasiak 1975 – Ann Nowak 1974 – Walter Prochownik 1973 – None 1972 – Daniel Reczek

Business 2013 – Michael Kucinski 2012 – Buszka Funeral Home 2011 – Kaminski & Sons Truck Equipment Inc. 2010 – The Rutowski Family Pharmacies 2009 – Danny Potts 2008 – Mazurek's Bakery 2007 – John Mills 1981 – F. Ronald Malecki 1980 – Chet Musialowski 1979 – Daniel J. Majeski 1978 – Stanley Hajeski 1977 – Mathew Witkowski 1976 – Alfred Fabiniak 1975 – Andrew Ciolek 1974 – Florian Burczynski 1973 – Joseph Dziminski Jr. 1972 – Robert Kowalewski

Civic Leader 2013 – None 2012 – Bob Kresse 2011 – None 2009 – The Felician Sisters 2008 – None 2007 – Dr. Norman Weinberg 2005 – James Ostrowski 2004 – Bishop Edward M. Grosz 2003 – Msgr. Matthew Kopacz 2001 – John Dobrzenski 1994 – Pauline Nowak / William Trezevant 1993 – James Konicki 1981 – Rev. Joseph Bialek 1980 – None 1979 – None 1978 – None 1977 – None 1976 – None 1975 – Bishop Daniel Cyganowski 1974 – Robert Biniszkiewicz 1973 – Edward Posluszny 1972 – Dennis Kazmierczak

Community Leader (Non-Pole) 2013 – Dr. Andrew Wise 2012 – Jean Dickson 2011 – Mary Lanham 2009 – Amy Betros 2008 – Mary Holland 2007 – Dr. Muriel Howard 1981 – Most Rev. Edward D. Head 1980 – None 1979 – Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra 1978 – Richard Kellman 1977 – Douglas L. Turner 1976 – Hon. Jack Kemp 1975 – Edward V. Regan 1974 – Dr. E. K. Fretwell

Community Organization 2013 – Broadway Market 125th Anniversary Committee 2012 – Permanent Chair of Polish Culture Canisius College 2011 – Polish Heritage Society of Rochester 2010 – Pulaski Police Association 2009 – Polish Singers Alliance District IX 2008 – Harmony Polish Folk Ensemble 2006 – Cheektowaga Polish American Festival Committee 2002 – University at Buffalo Polish Student Association 1981 – Polish American Congress, Western New York Division 1980 – Niagara Frontier Post 1041 1979 – Walden District Taxpayers Association

Culture 2013 – Kathleen Rumfola 2012 – Dr. Peter Gessner 2011 – Robert Johnson 2010 – Sophie Hodorowicz-Knab 2009 – Rev. Louis Dolinic 2008 – Andrew Golebiowski 2007 – Wanda Slawinski 1981 – Adeline Wujeikewski 1980 – Hon.Frank Swiatek 1979 – Helena Golebiowski 1978 – Alice Posluszny 1977 – Maria Laskowska 1976 – Thaddeus Nyczko 1975 – Marian Strzelczyk 1974 – Sister Ellen Marie 1973 – Emilie Lubelski 1972 – Leonard Glowinski

Education 2013 – Ashli Skura Dreher 2012 – Fr. Michael Sajda 2011 – Pomost International 2009 – Msgr. Adamski Polish Saturday School 2008 – Fr.Charles Jagodzinski 2007 – Patricia Weinreich 2006 – Danuta Nycz 1981 – Edward Szmraj 1980 – Father Leon Krop 1979 – Raymond Dziedzic 1978 – Dr. Joseph Gizinski 1977 – Anne Szczesny 1976 – Sister Mary Pachomia 1975 – Leonard Sikora 1974 – Frank Benbenek 1973 – Thomas Michalski 1972 – Mary Amalia

Fraternal 2013 – Pulaski Police Assn. 2012 – None 2011 – None 2010 – Dunkirk Dom Polski 2006 – Polish Union of America 1981 – Lucy Rubach 1980 – Joseph Lipa 1979 – Thaddeus J. Zolkiewicz 1978 – Victor A. Drajem, Jr. 1977 – Bronislaw Durewicz 1976 – Clara Owczarczak 1975 – Lawrence Wujcukowski 1974 – Joseph Starosciak 1973 – Clara Weber 1972 – Irene Cwiklinski

Good Neighbor 2013 – None 2012 – None 2011 – None 2010 – Canadian Polish Congress - Niagara District 2007 – Chester & Diane Stranczek 2006 – OLC Pierogi Makers 2001 – Daniel Mocniak

Government 2013 – Gerald Chwalinski 2012 – None 2011 – Robert Giza 2010 – Steven J. Stepniak 2008 – Catherine Rybczynski 2007 – Richard Kloc 1981 – Daved Rutecki 1980 – Thomas Owczarczak 1979 – Edwin A. Gorski 1978 – Thaddeus J. Szymanski 1977 – William M. Skretny 1976 – Hon. Henry Nowak 1975 – Joseph Bala 1974 – Stanley Makowski 1973 – Stan Bolas 1972 – Daniel Kwiatkowski

Health/Medicine 2013 – Jean Wactawski-Wende 2012 – Dr. Edwin Grzankowski 2011 – None 2008 – Dr.Kevin Cichocki 2007 – Dr. William F. Wieczorek, Ph.D. 1981 – Dr. Daniel Kozers 1980 – Dr. Robert Zwirecki 1979 – Anthony Prezyna, M.D. 1978 – Dr. Joseph Matala 1977 – None 1976 – Dr. Richard Powell 1975 – Dr. Lucian Rutecki 1974 – Dr. Eugene Ruszaj 1973 – None 1972 – Dr. Joseph Kij

Heritage 2013 – Amy Smardz 2012 – Edward Prabucki 2011 – Henry Chimes 2010 – Dr. Margaret Stefanski 2009 – Barbara Frackiewicz 2008 – Polish Heritage Dancers of Western New York 2007 – Gregory Witul 2006 – Donna Zellner Neal 2005 – Bishop Thaddeus Peplowski 2004 – Martin Biniasz 2003 – Robert Fronckowiak 2002 – Lucyna Dziedzic 2001 – Edward Kornowski 2000 – David Newman 1999 – Polish Social Volunteers 1998 – Honorable Carl Bucki 1997 – Andrew Golebiowski 1996 – Walter Grabowski 1995 – Diane Cieczka – Jircitano 1994 – Benjamin Fiore 1992 – Edmund Kiedrowski & Alice Kiedrowski 1987 – Victoria Jarnot 1981 – Genevieve Pietka 1980 – Matthew Kubik 1979 – Theodore Mikoll 1978 – Stanly Dawidziak 1977 – William Borodacz 1976 – Zdaislaw Ordon 1975 – Bronislaus Trzyszewski

Humanitarian 2013 – None 2012 – Lisa Florczak 2011 – None 2010 – Tom Zablotny 2007 – Christine Jozwiak 1981 – Judy Kasinski 1980 – Caroline Szymanski 1979 – Verna C. Neubauer 1978 – Irene Szczesnika 1977 – Dorothy Orlowski 1976 – Sister Mary Desponsata 1975 – Rev. Edward Ulaszewski 1974 – Richard Glowacki 1973 – Sophia Dabrowski 1972 – Apolonia Szpakowska

Human Rights 1980 – Lech Wałęsa

Individual in Organizations 2013 – Charles Peszynski 2012 – Stephen Flor & Andrew Pilecki 2011 – Bernadine Szymanski 2010 – Frances Cirbus 2009 – Edward Reska 2008 – Florence Oleszek 2007 – Irene Pawlowski 1981 – Walter Chrzanowski 1980 – Frank Niemiec 1979 – Richard B. Solecki 1978 – Edward Sieracki 1977 – Michael J. Kogutek 1976 – Karol Tomaszewski 1975 – John Fliss 1974 – Art Kilichowski 1973 – Leo A. Trembowicz 1972 – Jack R. Poczciwinski

Labor 2013 – None 2012 – Stan Nowak 2011 – None 2006 – Paul R. Dobrzenski 1981 – Joseph Benbenek 1980 – Edward Ziarnowski 1979 – Jerome C. Gorski 1978 – Hon.Richard Slisz 1977 – Casimir Walas 1976 – Peter Rybka 1975 – Frank Malinkiewicz 1974 – Matt Ginal 1973 – Louis Dudek 1972 – Floyd Lisinski

Law 2013 – Robert Ciesielski 2012 – Hon. Leslie Foschio 2011 – Charles Tomaszewski 2010 – Hon. Henry J. Nowak, Jr. 2009 – Hon. William Skretny 2008 – Hon.Michael Pietruszka 2007 – William Hochul 1981 – Eugene Buczkowski 1980 – Norman Walawender 1979 – Hon. Joseph S. Forma 1978 – Hon. Edward V. Mazur 1977 – Hon. Julian F. Kubiniec 1976 – Hon. Victor Manz 1975 – Hon. William Ostrowski 1974 – Leonard Walentynowicz 1973 – Hon. Theodore Kasler 1972 – Hon. Alois C. Mazur

Media 2013 – Christopher Parker 2012 – Charity Vogel 2011 – Rick Franusiak 2010 – Mark Wozniak 2009 – Steve Cichon 2008 – Christopher Byrd 2007 – Ron Dombrowski 1996 – Alice Wadowski-Bak 1981 – Don Polec 1980 – Matthew Gryta 1979 – Robert S. Bukaty 1978 – Eugene M. Krzyzynski 1977 – John Krieger 1976 – Wanda Kogut 1975 – Daniel Lesniak 1974 – Matt Kopanty 1973 – Sister Mary Donata

Military/Veteran 2013 – None 2012 – Brett Gornewicz 2011 – None 2009 – Stanley Blake 2008 – Alfreda Miecyjak, Krystyna Pienkowska, & Jozefa Solecki 2007 – Stanley & Antonina Markut

Music 2013 – Michelle Cofield 2012 – Michael Zachowicz 2011 – CitySide 2010 – Emily Tworek-Helenbrook 2009 – Jacek Muzyk 2008 – Jerry Darlak and the Touch 2007 – Bell Choir of Holy Mother of the Rosary Cathedral 2006 – Goo Goo Dolls 2005 – Art Kubera 2004 – St. Michael the Archangel Choir 2003 – Sunshine Records 2002 – St. Casimir Choir 2001 – Buffalo Concertina All-Stars 2000 – Buffalo Polka Boosters 1999 – Steve Krzeminski 1998 – Valerian Ruminski 1997 – Donald Jenczka 1996 – Radosc-Joy Choir 1995 – Villa Maria Chorale 1994 – David Seweryniak 1993 – Mark Kohan 1992 – Linda Orszulka 1986 – Edward Witul 1981 – Walter Szwajda 1980 – Louis Distel 1979 – Sr. Mary Virginis Kozlowska 1978 – Art Kubera 1977 – Czarnik Quartet 1976 – Genia Lars 1975 – Michael Tworek 1974 – Joseph Macielag 1973 – Sister M. Martinelle 1972 – Janina Staniewicz

Politics 2013 – Steven Walters 2012 – Hon. Dennis Gabryszak 2011 – None 2010 – Kevin Smardz 2009 – Supervisor Mary Holtz 2006 – Marck C. Poloncarz 2005 – Deborah Bucki 2004 – Stasia Vogel 2003 – Senator George Maziarz 2002 – Joseph Augustine 2001 – Norman Polanski 2000 – Raymond K. Dusza 1998 – Mayor Robert Kesicki 1997 – Mayor Robert Kucewicz 1996 – Greg Olma 1995 – Janice Kowalski – Kelly 1994 – James Jankowiak 1993 – Sen. William Stachowski 1992 – Leonard Gramza 1981 – Sen. William Stachowski 1980 – Hon. William Rogowski 1979 – Hon. Edward J. Rutkowski 1978 – Stanley Stachowski 1977 – Hon. Richard Okoniewski 1976 – Hon. Shirley Storarski 1975 – Genevieve Starosciak 1974 – Dennis Gorski 1973 – Stan Franczyk 1972 – Legislator Stanley Zagora

Religion 2013 – Rev. Richard Jedrzejewski 2012 – Rev. Mike Burzynski 2011 – Parishioners of St. Adalbert's Basilica 2010 – Sr. Judith M. Kubicki, CSSF 2009 – Rev. Walter Szczesny 2008 – Fr.Anzelm Chalupka 2007 – Daniel Geary, OFM, Conv. 1981 – Rev. Sister Alberta Surowiec 1980 – Rev. Max Panczakiewicz 1979 – Rev. Robert K. Golombek 1978 – Rev. Lucian Krolikowski 1977 – Rev. Msgr. D. J. Szostak 1976 – Rev. Msgr. Chester Meloch 1975 – Mother Mary Benice 1974 – Rev. Anthony Konieczny 1973 – Rev. John Gabalski 1972 – Rt. Rev. Msgr. Francis Wlodarczak

Science 2013 – None 2012 – None 2011 – None 2010 – Leonard Amborski 2006 – Arthur M. Michalek 1981 – Dr. Felix Milgrom 1980 – Dr. Francis Bajer 1979 – Eugene Sulkowski, Ph. D 1978 – Dr. Michael S. Hudecki 1977 – Dr. Raymond Trudnowski 1976 – John Kopczynski 1975 – Dr. Peter S. Pawlik 1974 – Dr. Sigmund Zakrzewski

Sports 2013 – Stan Figiel 2012 – Don Pieczynski 2011 – Candis Kapuscinski 2010 – Rob Gronkowski 2009 – Dan Kryzanowicz 2008 – Jenn Stuczynski 2007 – Lee Stempniak 1981 – Ben Richards 1980 – Ray Wasielewski 1979 – John Sikorski 1978 – Frank Podsiadlo 1977 – Robert Pacholski 1976 – Henry Breski 1975 – Peter Machnica 1974 – Ron Joworski

Youth 2013 – None