Nominations Open for 72nd Annual Citizen of the Year Awards

by Lesley Misko

A Tradition of Community Recognition

Nominations are now open for Boyertown’s 72nd annual Citizen of the Year Awards (COTY), continuing a long-standing tradition of honoring individuals whose dedication and service help sustain the community. The program recognizes people who consistently go above and beyond in support of the Boyertown area and its residents.

In addition to Citizen of the Year, award categories include First Responder of the Year, Mentor of the Year, and High School Senior of the Year. Nominations opened December 1, 2025, and will close January 25, 2026. Award recipients will be announced February 14, with an awards gala planned for April 2026 at the Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles.

What the Committee Is Looking For

Mark Malizzi, co-chair of the Citizen of the Year committee, along with Lindsey Mason, stresses that the process is not based on popularity or volume of nominations.  Malizzi says, “The outstanding citizens are chosen by a committee, based on the information provided on the nomination form.”

The committee, made up entirely of past honorees, looks for detailed, heartfelt submissions that demonstrate a nominee’s impact on the community. Brief or generic nominations are unlikely to stand out. “Heartfelt letters that show real knowledge of the person and offer evidence of their qualities are what we’re seeking,” Malizzi states.

“We look at the, the nominations with an open heart. We're not dedicated to one or another program. We’re completely neutral,” he adds.

Stories That Reflect Boyertown’s Spirit

Each year, nomination trends vary across categories, but Malizzi feels that the stories themselves are what leave the strongest impression. “We’re just blessed by some of the stories that come in. They’re amazing, and we’re always very honored to take the time to read them,” explains Malizzi.

The awards honor individuals whose support and volunteerism are essential to Boyertown’s daily life, from emergency responders and mentors to students and lifelong community leaders.

Funded by Commitment, Not Compensation

Behind the scenes, the Citizen of the Year program is sustained by volunteers. Committee members receive no compensation and sometimes make personal monetary contributions to help cover operating expenses. Additional revenue comes from ticket sales, donations from local civic groups, and support from area businesses that contribute merchandise, services, or cash. Advertising is kept largely to social media to minimize costs.

Each year, the chosen Citizen of the Year selects a local 501(c) charitable organization to receive funds raised in excess of operating expenses, making the program both a celebration and a source of community support.

A Legacy Preserved by Past Honorees

Originally created by the Boyertown Jaycees, the awards program later passed to The Boyertown Times and then to the Lions and Rotary Clubs. Around the program’s 60th year, declining membership in those organizations put the event at risk. In response, a group of past recipients stepped forward to ensure its continuation.

Malizzi shares, “Committee members would love to see it continue because it speaks to Boyertown as a community. It’s a community that cares and feels pride in who it is.”

Encouraging Residents to Participate

The 2025 honorees included Citizen of the Year Rick Drumheller, Mentor of the Year Tim Bauman, First Responder of the Year Gary Conrad, High School Senior of the Year Abi Dawson, and Special Recognition recipient Bear Fever, a project initiated by Jane and Paul Stahl.

Malizzi encourages residents not to wait. “If there’s somebody on your heart who has touched your life in a positive way, take a few minutes and share their story with us. The only way we’re going to know about them is if someone takes the time to fill out the nomination form. It can never hurt—and you never know whose life that story might touch.”

“We create an opportunity and it's kind of up to the community on how they use the opportunity or not. It would just break my heart if there is somebody that's deserving of this, and nobody took the time to let us know about it,” he concludes.

Nomination forms and additional information can be found here at the event website.

Questions may be directed to boyertowncitizen@yahoo.com

Past winners in all categories; additional information and photos of recent past winners are at the event website.

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