Members

Bonnie Kucera (Chairman)

John Callan

Carol Mallers

Jane Moss

Tracy Thomson Johnson

Mary Sullivan (City Council Liaison)

Goal

The Citizen of the year Committee is searching for a very special man or woman who has given of themselves to make Darien a "Nice Place to Live"! If you know of a person who goes "above and beyond the call of duty" ... is always there when someone needs a hand ... and who has contributed to make Darien a special place, please fill out the Nomination Form below. It is strongly suggested that as much detail about your nominee is provided.  

Sunday, November 1st:  Nomination Applications Open

Tuesday, January 5th:  Deadline for Submitting Nominations for Citizen of the Year

Friday, March 5th:   Celebratory Dinner and Dance at Ashton Place

By City Ordinance, the committee shall follow the following criteria in recommending the citizen of the year:

The citizen of the year shall have made some outstanding voluntary contribution(s) to the city. Criteria to be considered shall include:

  1. Diversity of activities

  2. Length of service

  3. Degree of involvement in the community

  4. Impact to the city

A nominee must be a resident of Darien and cannot currently be an elected official. The deadline for nominations to be considered for the current year is Tuesday, January 5, 2027 at 5pm.

 

Citizen of the Year Nomination Form

Available beginning November 1, 2026 until January 5, 2027. 

Recognizing exceptional service that strengthens the community. 

Please provide specific examples. Strong nominations describe the diversity and duration of service, the nominee's level of leadership and involvement, and the impact on Darien residents. Include service outside Darien when it meaningfully improves the well-being of people in the community. 

Click here for the application checklist and sample.

Nominee Information
Nomination Narrative
Describe volunteer service, civic or community involvement, leadership roles, special achievements, and honors. For each major activity, include the organization, role, approximate dates or years of service, responsibilities, and who benefitted.
Explain specifically how the nominee has helped make Darien a nice place to live. Describe needs addressed, residents served, programs improved or sustained, partnerships formed, resources raised, or traditions strengthened.
Provide examples showing initiative, reliability, collaboration, compassion, mentorship, or willingness to serve behind the scenes. Explain what distinguishes this nominee from other dedicated volunteers.
Summarize why the nominee should be selected as Citizen of the Year. Connect the nominee's length and breadth of service to clear, lasting community impact.
Community Service Record
Include name of organization, nominee's role, years of service, key contributions, and community impact.
Include name of organization, nominee's role, years of service, key contributions, and community impact.
Include name of organization, nominee's role, years of service, key contributions, and community impact.
Include name of organization, nominee's role, years of service, key contributions, and community impact.
Include name of organization, nominee's role, years of service, key contributions, and community impact.
Include name of organization, nominee's role, years of service, key contributions, and community impact.
Include name of organization, nominee's role, years of service, key contributions, and community impact.
Include name of organization, nominee's role, years of service, key contributions, and community impact.
References: List three people who can confirm the nominee's service and impact. Please obtain their permission before listing their contact information.
Nominator Information: The committee needs this information to verify and follow up on the nomination. A nominator may request that their identity not be shared with the nominee or the community.