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.^[1] 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."^[2][3]

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 Walesa

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
• 1999 – Joseph Golombek
• 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
• 2012 – None
• 2011 – Katherine Rivard
• 2010 – Gabrielle Pawlowski
• 2009 – Barry Pawlowski & Christina Slomczewski
• 2008 – Corrine Lasek
• 2007 – Peter Miecyjak
• 2006 – Alicia Krawiec
• 2005 – Kimberly Majewski
• 2004 – Veronica Couzo
• 2003 – Brooke Wiechec / Schwedner
• 2002 – None
• 2001 – Marguerite Rivard
• 2000 – Aniela Baj
• 1999 – Tersa Kaczynska
• 1998 – Conrad Malkowski
• 1997 – Agatha Glowacki
• 1996 – Craig Bucki
• 1995 – Thomas Wasiuta
• 1994 – Alexandra Krupski
• 1993 – Lisa Urbanski
• 1992 – David Smaczniak
• 1981 – Irene Woszczak
• 1980 – Wallace Piotrowski
• 1979 – Ann Dobrowolski
• 1978 – Joe Kroczynski
• 1977 – Denise Gryglewicz
• 1976 – Carl Bucki
• 1975 – Kasia Wrobel
• 1974 – Rev. Richard Zajac
• 1973 – Ray Marciniak

Notes

1. page 51. Polish American Studies, 1968.
2. Staff (5 November 1993). [http://buffalonews.com/1993/11/04/matthew-pelczynski-dies-polish-american-leader/ "Matthew Pelczynski Dies; Polish-American Leader". The Buffalo News.
3. Polish American studies (2002), Vols 59-60, p. 44

External links

• Official website