2008 Citizen of the Year - Donna Wilkosz

Delmar's 2008 Citizen of the Year
By Mike McClure
(Article in the Laurel Star newspaper)

Sometimes people who volunteer their time in service of their community are uncomfortable in the spotlight. Such is the case with Donna Wilkosz, the 2008 Delmar Citizen of the Year, who will be honored at the Chamber of Commerce's annual banquet Nov. 19.

"I feel very humble because there are other people that are more deserving," WIlkosz said. "I'm not quite as outgoing as my husband is. Ron is the outgoing one in the family. I'm looking forward to it (the banquet)."

Wilkosz has been involved with Delmar Parks and Recreation since her husband became involved with the organization 20 years ago. She works in the Parks and Recreation concession stand during Little League season and has also purchased food and scheduled people to work in the stand.

Donna also volunteers her time at the Delmar Elementary school and is currently working in the school store every Monday and Wednesday with Dotty Scemotchko. She also volunteers in the school's cafeteria at the Thanksgiving.

Wilkosz assists in the St. Stephen's United Methodist Church's office and also helps with dinners, social events such as wedding and bridal parties and funeral receptions. On occasion she also taked elderly members of the church to their doctor's appointments.

A member of Relay for Life teams for the past 13 years, Donna and Peggy Moore recently co-chaired the church's first Relay for Life team.

"Without people helping you can't get much accomplished," said Wilkosz. "If you work together it makes what you're doing so much easier. Only God could create everything in six days. We need him and each other to succed."

Wilkosz was born and raised in Delmar and is a graduate of Delmar High School. She has been married to Ron Wilkosz, a 2004 Co-Citizen of the Year, for the past 23 years.

Her father, Jimmy Banks, was posthumously honored by the Delmar Fire Department for 50 years of service after passing away last November.

"The men and women of the Delmar Fire Department, I just can't describe how wonderful they are," Wilkosz said. "All the men and women of the Delmar Fire Department are unsung heroes."

Wilkosz's family includes daugther Stephanie Ruark and son-in-law Ken Ruark Jr., grandchildren Lauren, Justin, and Marley Ruark; her mother, Jean Banks, brother and sister-in-law Sam and Colette Banks and several nieces and nephews.

"I stress teamwork to my grandchildren and the kids at work," said Wilkosz. "You can get something started, but without a team to help out one another you can't get much accomplished."

Throughout her life Donna has been involved with children, whether at the ball park, as supervisor of Sunday school at her church, at the Delmar Elementary School, or with her daugther and grandchildren.

"I do like kids a lot. At the ball park I've seen kids grow up from toddlers to graduating from high school. You see generations of families grow up out there," Wilcosz said. "I think seeing a smile on a child's face is something you can't buy."

Wilkosz has also been involved with the Delmar Athletic Booster Club, helped Bobbi Green with Campbell's Soup labels, and co-chaired several homecoming parades with Green.

While she hasn't been involved with downtown revitalization project, she believes it is something the community should take part in "so that our downtown area will continue to prosper."

Wilkosz gives credit to the following people and organizations for their support: God, St Stephen's United Methodist Church, family and friends, Delmar Fire Department, Delmar VFW, Delmar Little League (especially the girls softball league and families), Delmar Chamber of Commerce, Delmar Kiwanis Club, Delmar Lions Club, New Century Club and teachers and personnel from Delmar schools.

(Article used by permission)

Donna Wilkosz ~ we, the Greater Delmar Chamber of Commerce are truly proud to present this award to you this evening. We appreciate your hard work, your dedication and your fine leadership of our community! Congratulations and thank you from the entire Delmar community.