The Am-Pol Eagle Citizen of the Year Award is given out by the weekly

Polish American Polish Americans ( pl, Polonia amerykańska) are Americans who either have total or partial Polish ancestry, or are citizens of the Republic of Poland. There are an estimated 9.15 million self-identified Polish Americans, representing about 2.83 ...

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 Buffalo is the second-largest city in the U.S. state of New York (behind only New York City) and the seat of Erie County. It is at the eastern end of Lake Erie, at the head of the Niagara River, and is across the Canadian border from Sou ...

, 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 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 prev ...

*1993 –

David Bonior David Edward Bonior (born June 6, 1945) is an American politician from the U.S. state of Michigan. First elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1976, Bonior served as Democratic whip in the House from 1991 to 2002, during which time De ...

*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 Zbigniew Kazimierz Brzeziński ( , ; March 28, 1928 – May 26, 2017), or Zbig, was a Polish-American diplomat and political scientist. He served as a counselor to President Lyndon B. Johnson from 1966 to 1968 and was President Jimmy Carter' ...

*1975 – Mitchell Kobelinski *1974 –

Bobby Vinton Stanley Robert "Bobby" Vinton (born April 16, 1935) is a American former singer and occasional actor, who also hosted his own self-titled TV show in the late 1970s. As a teen idol, he became known as "The Polish Prince", as his music paid trib ...

*1973 –

Barbara Mikulski Barbara Ann Mikulski ( ; born July 20, 1936) is an American politician and social worker who served as a United States senator from Maryland from 1987 to 2017. A member of the Democratic Party, she also served in the United States House of Repr ...

*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 Henry James Nowak (born February 21, 1935) is an American lawyer, politician and a former Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives from New York between 1975 and 1993. Early life Nowak was born in Buffalo, New York at ...

*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 Lech may refer to: People * Lech (name), a name of Polish origin * Lech, the legendary founder of Poland * Lech (Bohemian prince) Products and organizations * Lech (beer), Polish beer produced by Kompania Piwowarska, in Poznań * Lech Pozna� ...

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 Louis Dudek, (February 6, 1918 – March 23, 2001) was a Canadian poet, academic, and publisher known for his role in defining Modernism in poetry, and for his literary criticism. He was the author of over two dozen books. In ''A Digital Hist ...

*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 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 ...

*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 The Goo Goo Dolls are an American rock band formed in 1986 in Buffalo, New York, by guitarist/vocalist John Rzeznik, bassist/vocalist Robby Takac, and drummer George Tutuska. After starting off as a cover band and then developing a punk sou ...

*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 Dennis T. Gorski (July 20, 1944 – July 4, 2021) was an American politician in New York and a Marine. A resident of Cheektowaga, New York, Gorski served as County Executive of Erie County, New York, which includes Buffalo and many of its subur ...

*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 Jennifer Lynn Suhr ( née Stuczynski; born February 5, 1982) is an American former pole vaulter. She has been an Olympic and World champion, has been ranked #1 in the World, has been the #1 American pole vaulter since 2006, and has won a total o ...

*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

External links

Official website
Polish awards American people of Polish descent