{"id":131,"date":"2013-10-26T18:42:30","date_gmt":"2013-10-26T18:42:30","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/enkosky.com\/psf\/?page_id=131"},"modified":"2026-04-17T21:44:59","modified_gmt":"2026-04-18T01:44:59","slug":"pole-of-the-year","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/polishscholarship.org\/?page_id=131","title":{"rendered":"Pole of the Year"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

2026 “Pole of the Year” Jasiu Klocek<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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       Jasiu (John) Klocek <\/strong>grew up in a family that followed many Polish traditions which his grandfather brought from Ropczyce, Poland. He has been active in the Polish community since the 1960’s. Both in the Syracuse area and in Poland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He volunteered for the Polish Scholarship Days fulfilling many roles from stage manager to musician. He promotes Polish culture by sponsoring Polish Polka dances and performing in his bands Salt City Brass and Florida Polka All Stars. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

From 1996 to 2000 the Kosciuszko Foundation of New York City and Poland’s Ministry of Education of Warsaw appointed Jasiu as music director of summer sessions at high schools in Plock, Poland and Limanowa, Poland. In 2025, Jasiu sang the Polish National Anthem at the Syracuse Mets Baseball Stadium celebrating Polish Night sharing his heritage with the baseball community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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2025 “Pole of the Year” Jason Smorol \u2013 Proud Advocate of Polish Heritage and Community Leader<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Leading off, Jason Smorol is incredibly proud to have been selected as \u201cPole of the Year\u201d! His deep Polish roots and commitment to preserving Polish traditions have shaped both his personal and professional life. Raised in a proud Polish household, Jason has always celebrated his heritage with love and dedication, a passion instilled in him by his family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Jason is the son of Jake and Polly Smorol, who were married in Sacred Heart Church in 1956<\/strong>. His father, Jake, was the son of Mary Smorol (n\u00e9e Sadorcheck) and Jakub Smorol<\/strong>, who immigrated to America. Upon arriving in the U.S., Jason\u2019s grandparents settled in Syracuse, where they established a family home above Jake\u2019s Grill (now McAvan\u2019s Pub) <\/strong>in 1920, operating not only a restaurant but also cashing workers’ checks and helping them send money back to their families in Poland and Ukraine. Tragically, Jason\u2019s grandfather Jacob passed away at a young age, leaving Mary (\u201cNanna\u201d) to raise their children, Jake and Lorraine, in the Sacred Heart Church and the close-knit West End community of Syracuse<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jason, the youngest of four children, grew up in Syracuse surrounded by Polish culture. His strong connection to his heritage was reinforced by countless summers spent on Ina Island in the St. Lawrence River<\/strong>, a treasured family retreat owned by his parents alongside \u201cAunt\u201d Gwenny and \u201cUncle\u201d Teddy Piszcarek. The Polish flag flew proudly over the island, and the family boats bore names honoring their ancestry\u2014the \u201cPolish Prince\u201d and the \u201cPolonaise.\u201d These summers were filled with cherished memories alongside families like the Wisinskis, Kondzielas, Leonards, Butz family, and many more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Holidays were always a vibrant celebration of Polish traditions, filled with music, food, and love. Christmas Eve and Easter<\/strong> were particularly special, with classic Polish dishes, festive gatherings, and the sound of Aunt Lorraine singing \u201cLulaj\u017ce Jezuniu\u201d<\/strong>, accompanied by Dr. Sam Goldsman on piano\u2014a moment that truly marked the start of Christmas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jason\u2019s commitment to his heritage deepened after the passing of his father in 2014<\/strong>. Choosing to hold the post-funeral celebration at the Syracuse Polish Home<\/strong>, he was immediately transported back to childhood memories\u2014playing shuffleboard and bowling at the club with his father. That experience led him to become a proud and active member of the Polish Home<\/strong>, continuing the legacy of his family\u2019s connection to the Polish community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A devoted husband and father, Jason and his wife Rachel, also of Polish heritage<\/strong>, have raised their children, Julia and Mary Smorol<\/strong>, with a strong appreciation for their Polish roots. Together, they have fond memories of attending the Syracuse Polish Festival<\/strong> and participating in cultural events that celebrate their shared ancestry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since 2013<\/strong>, Jason has served as the General Manager of the Syracuse Mets (formerly the Syracuse Chiefs)<\/strong>. His love for Polish culture extended into his professional life when he began working with the Polish Home to organize \u201cPolish Night\u201d at the Syracuse Mets<\/strong>. The first event in 2015<\/strong> featured an opening pitch by Polish-American community members Uncle Bill Stankowicz, Joe Janowski, and Charlie Hollis<\/strong>. Over the years, the event has grown in popularity, and in 2024<\/strong>, with the help of Pat Favalo, Joe Sepian, Yolo, and many others<\/strong>, Jason spearheaded the first-ever Polish jersey giveaway<\/strong>\u2014a major milestone in promoting Polish culture, the Syracuse Polish Festival, and the historic Syracuse Polish Home<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jason Smorol\u2019s deep love for his heritage is evident in his lifelong efforts to preserve and celebrate Polish traditions in Syracuse. His dedication ensures that the vibrant history and contributions of Polish-Americans will continue to thrive for generations to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dzi\u0119kuj\u0119!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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 \u201c2024 Pole of the Year”, WALLY J. GAWORECKI JR.    <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I am the oldest of three children of Wally Gaworecki Sr. and Sophie Bednarz Gaworecki which includes my brother Rick, and sister Dolores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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My mother and her sisters worked for many years serving food for the Polish Home.  Both sets of my grandparents immigrated from Poland and carried on the Polish Heritage throughout our families.  My maternal grandfather, Andrew Bednarz was a past Polish Home President and my grandmother, Jadwiga Bednarz was the head of the Jadwiga Society for 16 years and represented our Polish Home nationally in Chicago yearly.  My paternal grandparents, Adolph and Mary Gaworecki owned and operated the Fairview Dairy which served fresh dairy products daily to Sacred Heart School and Sacred Heart Church as well as the Polish Home and surrounding area.  The Dairy was a great supporter of the school, church and Polish Home community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            I attended Sacred Heart school as well as all of my cousins and I was enriched with Polish traditions, celebrations and a very disciplined education.  I graduated from CCBI, OCC and served with the US Army from 1967-1969 in Vietnam.  Returned home to open Wally\u2019s Belvedere with my Dad and brother, Rick where we served Polish dinners and had the John Dopkowski Polka Band play monthly.  The Belvedere was the home of our first Polish Festival and the \u201cOne More Time\u201d Fan Club. Married my wife Judith Jerome Gaworecki in 1970, and were blessed with our son, Wally III in September 1971.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            In 1981, I opened the Western Ranch Motor Inn, formerly the Sturge Motel, where I started an annual fall Polish Fest featuring great Polka bands, traditional food and beverage promoting our Polish heritage.  This year\u2019s Polish Festival will be held on September 6, 7 & 8 featuring John Gora, Piatkowski Brothers, John Stevens Polka Band and Jasiu Klocek & the Salt City Brass.\u201c2024 Pole of the Year\u201d, Wally Gaworecki Jr,<\/strong> is the owner of the Western Ranch Motor Lodge on State Fair Boulevard who has spent his life propagating and maintaining Polish culture in our community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“I have always been very supportive member of Polish Home, PLAV.  I am proud to carry on and promote our Polish<\/u><\/strong> traditions”-Wally Gaworecki.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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2023 Pole of the Year CONSTANCE NIEDZWIECKI MAUTE<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Born into a Polish-American family, Constance Niedzwiecki Maute has been involved in the Syracuse Polish community all of her life. She and her late brother, Ron, were the children of the late Stanley and Irene Niedzwiecki. Her grandparents, Adam and Constance Cierek, emigrated from Poland; Adam was one of the founding fathers of the Syracuse Polish Home. Connie credits her grandmother with instilling Polish traditions and a strong work ethic into her life, including teaching her to make many Polish delicacies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Connie attended and graduated from Sacred Heart Academy and has been a lifelong parishioner of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. She has been a member of the I.J. Paderewski Choir for over fifty years and is an Honorary Member of the Polish Singers Alliance of America. Volunteering has been an important aspect of her life for many years. From 1980 to 2020, Connie and her crew made thousands of babkas as a fundraiser for the Basilica. You could always find her in the kitchen making pierogi and golabki for the Parish Festival, Transfiguration church\u2019s festivals, and the Dom Polski Fest. She currently serves as a lector and as part of the decorating team at the Basilica.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Following in her grandparent\u2019s footsteps, Connie has volunteered for years at the Polish Home. She serves on the Board of Directors, is acting Recording Secretary, and served on the organizing committee for the organization\u2019s 100th<\/sup> anniversary. You can often find her in the kitchen at Polish Home and serving guests. In recognition of her dedication, she was named the 2022 Volunteer of the Year of the Polish Home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to volunteering, Connie worked for the Syracuse Chamber of Commerce as Director of Economic Research for twenty five years. During her years there, she had the opportunity to represent the Chamber on a number of international initiatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Connie is the mother of Susan Anderson and the late Lisa Maute Smith, and proud grandmother to Shannon and Keira. She has continued her grandmother Cierek\u2019s legacy by teaching them Polish traditions, and now, they too, can be found in the kitchen with her whipping up pierogi and babka.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Connie would like to say dzi\u0119kuj\u0119<\/em> <\/em>bardzo <\/em>for this great honor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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2022 “Pole Of the Year” <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adam Gass<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n


Being Polish was easy having been raised by his Polish parents Adam and Frances (Brudzinski) Gass Sr.  They were very active in the Polish community, bringing young Adam and his brother to events to experience the culture.
Adam Gass’ father was involved in the formation of early Polish Scholarship events with his friend Clarence Kadys, who became the first President of the Polish Scholarship Fund.  Adam Gass Jr. was encouraged to join the volunteer group, and five years later he was elected Treasurer. He remained as treasurer until Mr. Kadys retired and then Adam was elected President of PSF.  
It was his greatest reward to serve in this position for more than 25 years and  to keep alive the Polish Scholarship Festival and Fund for future scholars of Polish descent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Congratulations,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

PSF Board of Directors<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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2020 “Pole of the Year” Geoffrey Cierek<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Geoffrey Cierek<\/strong>, a former Syracuse Policeman, also served in the Coast Guard, and Navy where he was based off the Vietnam coast during the war.
Today Geoffrey volunteers at the Sacred Heart Basilica doing various tasks on a regular basis. A long supporter and member of the Polish Home, this is where Geoffrey has established a permanent  home for  Jablonowski Post 14, a  Polish Veterans Organization. Hi is the commander of Post 14 and is heavily involved. The Post has a high a membership  of Polish veterans and is considered a \u201cPolish Post but it does accept all veterans. The official name is PLAV (Polish Legion Of American Veterans).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Two years ago Geoffrey was instrumental with other \nPLAV posts throughout the USA to host a national meeting in Washington \nDC. Here members gather to help further their cause of patriotism and \nsupport service members past and present. He met with President Barack \nObama who thanked the PLAV for their service to the American Vet. On a \nlocal level Geoffrey Ciereck shows his personal feelings and support \ntowards the vets especially the disabled ones by scheduling and \nparticipating with them different events for them to attend. For example\n baseball games, park tours and veteran activities through out the \ncountry. This is done at no cost to the disabled vet, and made possible \nthrough fund raisers put on by Geoffrey and member vets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

His \nkindness continues throughout the year. Before memorial day each year, \nGeoffrey and his fellow veterans visit Sacred Heart Cemetery and honor \nthe veterans who have passed on by placing flags on their graves and \nsaying a little prayer thanking them for their service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Four \nyears ago Geoffrey Ciereck along with Richard Sloma, Rob Synakowski and \nthe Polish Home honored the Polish Veteran that Post 14 is named after \n\u2018Eugene Jablonowski, a Polish American soldier who was killed in France \nduring World War I. This honor came in the form of contacting and having\n relatives of Eugene, most coming from Poland, attend a dedication \nceremony to him. The outpouring of the Polish Community and local \ndignitaries at this event left an unforgettable warm feeling in the \nhearts of the Jablonowski family according to them, and a feeling they \nwould share with others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A few years ago Geoffrey started \nvolunteering his whole day on every Wednesday transporting disabled Vets\n to and from the VA hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Geoffrey Cierek who grew up in \nour Polish Community, attended and graduated from Sacred Heart Academy. \n He has served Polish people community faithfully. PSF has the honor of \nawarding Geoffrey Cierek with the title of “Pole of the Year.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Congratulations,
PSF Board of Directors\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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2019 “Pole of the Year” <\/strong>\u00a0 Nancy Cummings<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Nancy Trojnar Cummings grew up on Syracuse\u2019s West Side, attending Sacred Heart Church and School. While in elementary school and part of high school, she was a part of a Polish Dance Group which performed at various places throughout New York. Also, while in high school, she attended a program at Alliance College for Polish Arts, Dramatics and Dancing. After receiving a Bachelor of Science degree from Syracuse University, Nancy began her teaching career in Boston Massachusetts. After three years, she decided to return home to continue teaching for many years at Sacred Heart School, Our Lady of Solace and St. Rose of Lima.<\/span><\/h4>\n

Nancy, now retired, is active in the Polish Community being not only a Board member for Polish Scholarship and the Syracuse Polish Home, but also an officer. Her maternal grandfather, Joseph Madey, was a founding father and one of the first presidents of the Polish Home and instilled in her a sense of pride for her Polish Heritage. Her mother, Helen, was also very active in Polish Scholarship Fund.<\/span><\/h4>\n

Nancy, who lives in Ira, New York with her husband Ron, also spends time in Florida visiting her son, daughter-in-law, grandson and beautiful great-granddaughter. During the summer, she is entertaining at her camp on Lake Ontario! <\/span><\/h4>\n

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2018 “Pole of the Year”\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0 Charlie Roman<\/strong><\/p>\n

The son of Polish immigrants, is being honored as the \u201c2018 Pole of the Year.\u201d Charlie, like his parents, has generously promoted the Polish culture in the Central \u00a0New York Community. His parents, with others were founders of the Polish Scholarship Fund, Inc. in 1954. His parents provided the initial Polish Festival\u2019s liquor license and other required permits. Charlie continued to subsidize the Polish Festival by providing insurance coverage and equipment.<\/p>\n

His parents opened a restaurant named Roman\u2019s where authentic homemade Polish meals were proudly prepared by his Mom and sister. Charlie began working there as a bus boy and dishwasher while in school. In time, he gained notoriety by entertaining the clients \u00a0playing a rubber chicken, a trumpet and showcasing his trained piranha fish. His specialty was the \u201cChicken Dance.\u201d The PSF held many functions \u00a0at Roman\u2019s, such as the Ice Breaker, for the scholarship winners and committee meetings. Now, Charlie owns Daniella\u2019s Steakhouse on State Fair Blvd in Syracuse and another restaurant in Alexandria Bay.<\/p>\n

Join us in honoring Charlie Roman as he receives his eminently earned \u201cPole of the Year\u201d on Friday, June 22 at the sixth-fourth annual Polish Scholarship Festival in Clinton Square.<\/p>\n

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2017 “Pole of the Year” Richard J. Sloma<\/strong><\/p>\n

Picture of Col. Sloma (on right) receives the Legion of Merit from New York State Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Patrick Murphy upon retirement in 2013<\/span><\/p>\n

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Richard Sloma<\/strong> was born in Syracuse and is the son of Zofia Rutkowska Sloma and the late Joseph Sloma. His father was a Polish laborer in Nazi Germany who came to the U.S. as a refugee in 1949.\u00a0 His mother came to the U.S. in 1963 after marring his dad in Warsaw.\u00a0 Both of his parents were active in the Syracuse Polish Community where they attended Sacred Heart parish and his dad was a founding member of the Polonez Men\u2019s Chorus.\u00a0 Rich attended Sacred Heart School, the White Eagle Saturday Polish School and was a member of the St. Louis Club Polish Folk Dancers.\u00a0 He graduated from Fowler High School in 1982.\u00a0 He lives in the Albany area, but maintains close ties to Syracuse as an active member of the Polish Legion of American Veterans (PLAV), Post 14 and a member of the Syracuse Polish Home.<\/p>\n

Rich holds a Master\u2019s Degree from the University at Albany and is an Archivist with the New York State Archives in Albany.\u00a0 He is a member of the Polish American Historical Association.<\/p>\n

As a native Syracusan and second generation Polish-American, Rich is especially proud of the contributions made by successive waves of Polish immigrants to Central New York.\u00a0 He has written a biography of Pvt. Eugeniusz Jablonowski, for whom PLAV Post 14 is named, a native Pole who was one of the first from Syracuse killed during the World War I.\u00a0 Rich has also done extensive research on the Polish immigrant community of Syracuse.\u00a0 He has added a tremendous amount of genealogical information about dozens of Syracuse\u2019s earliest Polish families to internet websites.\u00a0 He is especially interested in documenting the contributions of Polish and Polish-American veterans, like Jablonowski, who had served and fought for our nation since the First World War. \u00a0He is in the process of completing a website to further memorialize their sacrifice for their nation and to the principles of freedom and democracy.<\/p>\n

Rich enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve after high school.\u00a0 He attended LeMoyne College, Syracuse University Army ROTC, and received his bachelor\u2019s degree from SUNY Oswego.\u00a0 He served in the Army on active duty with assignments in Vicenza, Italy, Fargo, ND and Albany and then departed active duty and joined the NY Army National Guard.\u00a0 In 2008 he deployed to Afghanistan with the 27th Infantry Brigade from Syracuse, serving as Director of Intelligence (J2) for Task Force Phoenix in Kandahar.\u00a0 Rich retired in 2013 at the rank of Colonel as the NYS Counterdrug Task Force Commander with 20 years of active duty service and 31 years total military service.\u00a0 His awards include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Joint Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Commendation Medal, three Meritorious Service Medals, Afghanistan Campaign Medal and Airborne Badge.<\/p>\n

Rich lives in Slingerlands, NY with his wife Susan and has two sons, Stefan and Dominic, and two step-daughters, Nicole and Stephanie.\u00a0 He and his wife enjoy hiking, biking and kayaking, the Adirondacks, traveling and spending time with their family.<\/p>\n

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Dr. Gra\u017cyna Kozaczka Received 2016 “Pole of the Year” Award.<\/h1>\n
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On June 10, 2016, Congressman John Katko presented Cazenovia College’s very own Dr. Gra\u017cyna Kozaczka,<\/strong> distinguished professor of English and director of the All-College Honors Program, with the 2016 Outstanding Pole of the Year award given annually by the Polish Scholarship Fund. Congressman Katko also recognized Dr. Kozaczka as this year’s recipient during the May 26, 2016 session of Congress, entering the honor into Congressional Record. (See Congressman Katko\u2019s statement<\/a> (pdf).<\/p>\n

A native of Krakow, Poland, Dr. Kozaczka received her doctoral degree in American Literature from Jagiellonian University. She is the author of a monograph about realism in American literature and a popular book on traditional Polish needlework. She is currently working on a study devoted to Polish American literature published after World War II. Dr. Kozaczka has published scholarly essays, short fiction, and other popular articles in both Polish and English.<\/p>\n

“The Outstanding Pole award is given every year by the Polish Scholarship Fund to honor individuals for their contribution to Polish American communities,” commented Dr. Kozaczka. “I have been chosen this year for my work as the president of the Polish American Historical Association. It is a scholarly organization devoted to the study of Polish American history and culture.”<\/p>\n

Dr. Kozaczka’s research interests include American ethnic literature, women\u2019s literature, literature of the Holocaust, as well as traditional Polish folk dress and adornment. She is the president of Polish American Historical Association, an organization devoted to the study of Polish American history and culture as a part of the grater Polish Diaspora. She is also a member of the Polish Institute of Arts and Science of America, The Jozef Pilsudski Institute of America and the Modern Language Association.<\/p>\n

Every year the Polish Scholarship Fund chooses 10 high school seniors of Polish descent to award scholarships. This organization is devoted to the study of Polish American history and culture. The 600 members of this worldwide organization are affiliated with colleges and universities that represent many disciplines in subjects such as history, literature, sociology, political sciences education, and musicology.<\/p>\n

The Cazenovia College community congratulates Dr. Kozaczka on her latest honor and her continued work in the field of literature!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u00a0Source Published:\u00a0Cazenovia College\u00a0 June 13, 2016 – 2:57pm<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n

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\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 “2015 Pole of the Year “<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Marian Poczobutt<\/strong> is a lifelong resident of Syracuse and member of Sacred Heart parish, where he attended grammar school. \u00a0After graduating in 1981 from the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, he worked as a Civil Engineer for the NY State Department of Transportation, later returning to SUNY ESF to obtain a Master\u2019s Degree in Mapping Sciences, working at several positions in that field at the college.<\/p>\n

Both of his parents immigrated to the United States. His father was a Prisoner of War in Germany and then spent several years in a refugee camp before arriving in the United States in 1949. He and Marian\u2019s mother were engaged prior to the outbreak of war, but were unable to reunite until 1958, when the Cold War thawed a little and she was able to come to Syracuse.<\/p>\n

Polish was always spoken at home, and Marian attended the Saturday Polish classes for children at Sacred Heart. His parents also maintained Polish traditions and taught the family Polish history. He and his brother were sent to Poland in 1976 so that they would meet their extended family and know their homeland. That trip fueled Marian\u2019s interest in Poland, its history and its people, and he has returned six times since then.<\/p>\n

Marian has been on the Board of Directors of the Syracuse Polish Home and is currently the Financial Secretary. He is also the treasurer of the White Eagle Club. \u00a0Marian volunteers at many events at the Polish Home, ranging from the monthly pancake breakfasts to special events such as Sacred Heart School reunions or last year\u2019s 95th<\/sup>\u00a0Anniversary Banquet.<\/p>\n

His interest in and vast knowledge of Polish history has led him to give the annual Polish Heritage Month lecture on many topics relating to Poland, and also to create displays at Hazard Branch Library for Polish Heritage Month, and to assist with the annual May 3rd<\/sup>Polish Constitution Day observances.\u00a0 Marian also single-handedly ensures that Polish Flags are flying over the graves of Polish Veterans each Memorial Day.\u00a0 He has also created a display on \u201cPoland in World War II\u201d for the 2005 Polish Festival, which highlights the Enigma Code Breakers as well as Poland\u2019s role in Monte Cassino.<\/p>\n

PSF\u00a0 would like to thank\u00a0 Dr. Jozef J. Zwislocki and\u00a0Tomasz Skwarnicki for generous\u00a0contributions to our organization.<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/div>\n
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Outstanding Pole of 2014:\u00a0Jozef J. Zwislocki<\/a>
Outstanding Pole of 2013: Artur Pyrda<\/a>
Outstanding Pole of 2012: Charlie Hollis<\/a>
Outstanding Pole of 2011: Father Thomas P. Kobuszewski<\/a>
Outstanding Poles of 2010: CNY Polka DJs<\/a>
Outstanding Pole of 2009: Robert Synakowski<\/a>
Outstanding Pole of 2008: Tomasz Skwarnicki<\/a>
Outstanding Poles of 2007: The United Polka League<\/a>
Outstanding Pole of 2006: Dr. Elizabeth Mroziewicz<\/a>
Outstanding Poles of 2005: Joseph Baraniewicz and Walter Boruszewski<\/a>
Outstanding Pole of 2004: Helga Kolek<\/a>
Outstanding Pole of 2003: Professor Tadeusz Iwaniec<\/a>
Outstanding Poles of 2002: Rev. Walter Madej and Dr. Richard Chmielewski<\/a>
Outstanding Pole of 2001: Charlie Hollis<\/a><\/p>\n

Pole of the Year is sponsored by Charles F. Hollis<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

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2026 “Pole of the Year” Jasiu Klocek        Jasiu (John) Klocek grew up in a family that followed many Polish traditions which his grandfather brought from Ropczyce, Poland. He has been active in the Polish community since the 1960’s. Both in the Syracuse area and in Poland. He volunteered for the Polish Scholarship Days<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-131","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/polishscholarship.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/131","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/polishscholarship.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/polishscholarship.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/polishscholarship.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/polishscholarship.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=131"}],"version-history":[{"count":81,"href":"https:\/\/polishscholarship.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/131\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5729,"href":"https:\/\/polishscholarship.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/131\/revisions\/5729"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/polishscholarship.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=131"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}