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. 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 Edward Leon Rowny (April 3, 1917 – December 17, 2017) was a United States Army lieutenant general of Polish extraction. He was a commanding officer in World War II and Korea, a military advisor to five United States presidents and a negotiator o ...

*2003 – Kaya Ploss *2002 – None *2001 – Susanne Lotarski *2000 – Les Kuszynski *1999 –

Edward Pinkowski Edward G. Pinkowski (August 11, 1916 – January 11, 2020) was an American writer, journalist, and historian of Polish descent. He was presented with the Polish American Historical Society's Haiman Award in 1989, and the Cavalier's Cross of the Or ...

*1998 – James Pawelczyk *1997 – Michael Preisler *1996 – Stanley Milewski *1995 – Myra Lenard *1994 –

Adam Maida Adam Joseph Maida (born March 18, 1930) is an American cardinal prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. Maida served as the archbishop of the Archdiocese of Detroit in Michigan from 1990 to 2009, and was elevated to cardinal in 1994. Maida previo ...

*1993 – David Bonior *1992 – Edward G. Dykla *1981 –

Aloysius Mazewski Aloysius ( ) is a given name. Etymology It is a Latinisation of the names Alois, Louis, Lewis, Luis, Luigi, Ludwig, and other cognates (traditionally in Medieval Latin as ''Ludovicus'' or ''Chlodovechus''), ultimately from Frankish ''*Hl ...

*1980 – Michael Kogutek *1979 –

Carl Yastrzemski Carl Michael Yastrzemski ( ; nicknamed "Yaz"; born August 22, 1939) is an American former Major League Baseball player. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1989. Yastrzemski played his entire 23-year Major League career with the Bost ...

*1978 – John G. Fray *1977 –

Alfred Abramowicz Alfred may refer to: Arts and entertainment *''Alfred J. Kwak'', Dutch-German-Japanese anime television series * ''Alfred'' (Arne opera), a 1740 masque by Thomas Arne * ''Alfred'' (Dvořák), an 1870 opera by Antonín Dvořák *"Alfred (Interlu ...

D.D *1976 – Zbigniew Brzezinski *1975 –

Mitchell Kobelinski Mitchell P. Kobelinski (August 1, 1928 – November 7, 1997) was an American attorney who served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Export–Import Bank of the United States from 1973 to 1976 and as Administrator of the Small Business ...

*1974 – Bobby Vinton *1973 – Barbara Mikulski *1972 –

Eugene Kusielewicz Eugene Francis Vincent Kusielewicz (October 12, 1930 – December 10, 1996) was an American historian, author, educator, and a leading spokesperson on Polish and Polish-American affairs in the United States. Life and recognition Born on October ...

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 Ron is a shortening of the name Ronald. Ron or RON may also refer to: Arts and media * Big Ron (''EastEnders''), a TV character * Ron (''King of Fighters''), a video game character *Ron Douglas, the protagonist in ''Lucky Stiff'' played by Joe A ...

*2005 – Brittany Mruczek *2004 –

Kazimierz Braun Kazimierz Braun (born June 29, 1936) is a Polish director, writer, and scholar. Education Braun was born in Mokrsko Dolne. He earned a master's degree in Polish literature from Poznań University in 1958 and a master's in directing from the Al ...

*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 Edward D. Head (August 5, 1919 – March 29, 2005) was an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He served as the 11th bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo, Diocese of Buffalo in New York from 1973 to 1995. He previously s ...

*1980 – None *1979 –

Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra is an American symphony orchestra located in Buffalo, New York led by Music Director JoAnn Faletta. Its primary performing venue is Kleinhans Music Hall, which is a National Historic Landmark. Each season it p ...

*1978 – Richard Kellman *1977 – Douglas L. Turner *1976 – Hon.

Jack Kemp Jack French Kemp (July 13, 1935 – May 2, 2009) was an American politician and a professional football player. A member of the Republican Party from New York, he served as Housing Secretary in the administration of President George H. W. Bu ...

*1975 –

Edward V. Regan Edward Van Buren Regan (May 14, 1930 – October 18, 2014) was an American politician and public figure from New York State. He was a member of the Republican Party (United States), Republican Party. Regan's political career began on the Buff ...

*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 Thaddeus (Latin ''Thaddaeus'', Ancient Greek Θαδδαῖος ''Thaddaĩos'', from Aramaic תדי ''Ṯaday'') is a male given name. As of the 1990 Census, ''Thaddeus'' was the 611th most popular male name in the United States, while '' Thad'' ...

*1977 –

William M. Skretny William Marion Skretny (born March 8, 1945) is a senior United States district judge of the United States District Court for the Western District of New York. Education and career Born in Buffalo, New York, Skretny received an Artium Baccala ...

*1976 – Hon. Henry Nowak *1975 – Joseph Bala *1974 –

Stanley Makowski Stanley M. "Stan" Makowski (April 22, 1923 – August 5, 1981) was Mayor of the City of Buffalo, New York, serving 1974–1977. Early life He was born in Buffalo on April 22, 1923, as the younger of two children of Polish American, Polish immig ...

*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 William J. Hochul Jr. (born April 1, 1959) is an American lawyer who served as United States attorney for the Western District of New York from 2010 to 2016. Hochul has been the first gentleman of New York since August 2021, when his wife, Kath ...

*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 John is a common English name and surname: * John (given name) * John (surname) John may also refer to: New Testament Works * Gospel of John, a title often shortened to John * First Epistle of John, often shortened to 1 John * Second E ...

*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 Valerian Ruminski (born 1967) is an American operatic bass. He is also the founder and artistic director of Nickel City Opera, in Buffalo, New York.Buckley, Eileen (22 April 2004)"Opera Singer Valerian Ruminski Creates New Company" WBFO. Retriev ...

*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 George D. Maziarz (born May 25, 1953) is a Republican politician from New York State. From 1995 to 2015, Maziarz represented the 62nd District in the New York State Senate, which included all of Niagara County, all of Orleans County, and the t ...

*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 William T. Stachowski (born February 14, 1949) is an American politician from New York. Biography Stachowski attended Bishop Ryan High School in Buffalo, New York. He graduated from the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts, wh ...

*1992 – Leonard Gramza *1981 – Sen.

*1980 – Hon. William Rogowski *1979 – Hon.

Edward J. Rutkowski Edward is an English given name. It is derived from the Anglo-Saxon name ''Ēadweard'', composed of the elements '' ēad'' "wealth, fortune; prosperous" and '' weard'' "guardian, protector”. History The name Edward was very popular in Anglo-Sax ...

*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 Saint Adalbert Basilica, (referred to in Polish as Bazylika Swietego Wojciecha) is a historic Roman Catholic church located on Buffalo, New York's East Side within the Diocese of Buffalo. It is a prime example of the Polish Cathedral style of c ...

*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 Richard Zajac (born 16 August 1976) is a Slovak footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Polish V liga club GLKS Wilkowice. Honours Dukla Banská Bystrica * Slovak Cup The Slovak Cup () is the main knockout cup competition in Slovak football. ...

*1973 – Ray Marciniak

Notes

External links

Official website
Polish awards American people of Polish descent