Am-Pol Eagle Citizen of the Year Award explained

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]

Notes and References

1. page 51. Polish American Studies, 1968.
2. Polish American studies (2002), Vols 59-60, p. 44
3. Staff (5 November 1993). "Matthew Pelczynski Dies; Polish-American Leader". The Buffalo News].^[2]

   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

   External links

   • Official website