Mary Wankowicz, Dysart’s 2026 Citizen of the Year, waves to the crowd as she rides in the community’s annual Fourth of July grand parade on Saturday, July 4, 2026. Her driver, Ken Tanner, served as grand marshal of the local Lions Club-sponsored parade. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

DYSART – Dysart Mayor Pro Tem Mary Wankowicz has been named the community’s Citizen of the Year for 2026 by the Dysart Lions Club.

Wankowicz truly exemplifies what it means to be a great Dysart citizen and is very worthy of this year’s award. She serves the community in countless ways, including as a member of the EMS crew. Her calm presence and willingness to respond at all hours demonstrates a level of dedication that goes far beyond what is expected.

In addition to her EMS service, Wankowicz also serves as a city council member, working to improve the community and represent the needs of local residents. She approaches this responsibility with integrity, compassion, and a genuine desire to make life better for everyone around her. “When you go to her with a concern in our community, she acts on the concern immediately and reports back,” a Dysart constituent said of the mayor pro tem. As a town councilor, Wankowicz can often be found checking in with local businesses and alerting them of upcoming weather. In her own words, “Eyes on the sky!”

What truly makes Wankowicz exceptional, however, is the way she continually helps others in everyday life. She quietly assists neighbors by mowing lawns, checking in on those who may need help, and taking phone calls day or night from fellow citizens looking for guidance or support. No matter the time or circumstance, she is always willing to listen and lend a hand. She does not seek recognition for her efforts. She helps others simply because she cares deeply about her community and the people in it. Her kindness, generosity, and tireless service have touched countless lives and made our town a better place to live.

Additionally, Wankowicz serves her church, Zion Lutheran, by singing in the choir and has served on the church council.

Wankowicz.

Dysart is blessed to have such a worthy lady in the community who contributes in so many ways, representing the very best of community leadership, compassion, and service.

C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S, M A R Y!!!

Dysart Citizen of the Year

The tradition began in 1993 with Terry and Janet Trunk named as the inaugural recipients. It has continued every year since honoring people in the community who are exemplary volunteers.

Nominees must be an individual or couple and a resident of Dysart (town or rural) who exemplify service to their community and have gone above and beyond in volunteering for service in the community. Nominations are submitted by the community and judged by the last five years’ recipients (often a hard time deciding between so many great volunteers!).