The Lawrence Township Citizen of the Year Awards (previously Volunteer Awards) is presented to individuals and groups who performed outstanding leadership and volunteer service in our community. Award recipients will be honored at a Council meeting by resolution of the governing body on the township social media in April of each year during National Volunteer Month. To o submit a nomination, please visit: 2023 Lawrence Township Citizen of the Year Award - Rules and Information (google.com)

Rules

Individuals or groups may nominate more than one candidate or may nominate themselves.
Past recipients are ineligible to receive the award again for three years, but may be part of a group award.
Nominators may only nominate an individual for recognition for one category per year.
Volunteers can only receive an award in one category at a time.
A maximum of two additional supporting documents are allowed to accompany the nomination form.
All nomination information should be considered public and may be disclosed at the awards ceremony or to the media.
Township Council will select the winners in each category.
Township Council may request additional information. Their decisions are final

Award Categories

Individual Categories:
Youth Award — An individual who is 18 years old or younger.
Adult Award — An individual 19 years of age or older.
Leadership Award - An individual who demonstrates community impact through a leadership role. This award is often given to a person who is a current or past member of committees, task forces or boards of directors.
Lifetime Achievement Award — A volunteer whose lifetime of service exemplifies notable achievement in community service. The award has typically been given to a volunteer who is 60+ years of age

(2) Group Categories:
Small Group Award — A group of 10 or fewer volunteers whose combined volunteer efforts have strengthened the community.
Large Group Award — A group of more than 10 volunteers that has enhanced the community through their volunteer achievements.

(3) Hybrid Categories: 
Arts, Culture, or Diversity Award — An individual or group who has provided service to organizations and activities that promote arts, culture or diversity within the community.

2022 Winners

Victor Gutierrez, Recipient of the Lawrence Township Volunteer Award in the Adult Category.

"Victor Gutierrez has coached, managed, and facilitated the Lawrence Recreation Junior Wrestling program for 17 years. During the height of the wresting season Victor devotes 15+ hours per week to ensure the program is organized and well-run, and the registration numbers reflect his success: as the attendance records have increased year after year. The people who have worked with Victor describe him as humble, hard-working, and an embodiment of the values he preaches: respect and responsibility. We are proud to award Victor Gutierrez the Lawrence Township Volunteer Award for the impact he’s had on the youth in our community."

The Lawrence Township Recreation Advisory Committee, Recipient of the Lawrence Township Volunteer Award in the Large Group Category.

"The Lawrence Township Recreation Advisory Committee, appointed by the Township Council to work with the Lawrence Township Recreation Department, evaluates the recreation needs for our town in order to develop exceptional activities for the residents of Lawrence. Not only do they help with planning, they also assist in the operations of many recreation programs and events. Without the committee’s dedication and support, the programs would not be as successful as they are. We are delighted to award the Lawrence Township Recreation Advisory Committee and its members the Lawrence Township Volunteer Award for their commitment to our community."

William Agress, Recipient of the Lawrence Township Volunteer Award in the Lifetime Achievement Category.

"William Agress has been a resident of Lawrence Township for 50 years. And over the decades, William has served in many capacities to both steward thoughtful development and preserve our rich local history. Over his many decades of volunteer service, he’s been the Chairman of the Lawrence Township Planning Board, President of the Lawrence Historical Society, and for the last 30 years has performed the duties of the Vice Chairman of the Mercer County Planning Board. He’s most commonly known to the residents of Lawrence as a historic re-enactor: often appearing has George Washington, Albert Einstein, and Lawrence’s own Colonel Hand (who he has portrayed since 1983). He’s often noted by members of the community as having an infectious passion and enthusiasm for Lawrence Township’s unique history and role in the revolutionary war. We are proud to honor William Agress’s lifetime service with the Lawrence Township Volunteer Award, and thank him for strengthening the bonds of our community."