The nomination period is open for Citizen of the Year in Riverbank. Nomination forms are available on the website of the City of Riverbank, www.riverbank.org, or at city hall.
The deadline for nominations is Friday, Nov. 21 and they should be returned to city hall or a MOY-COY committee member. Originally designated the Man of the Year, the committee changed its description to Citizen of the Year over time, becoming the MOY-COY Committee to include previous and current winners.
The person chosen will be announced at the annual Riverbank Community Awards Banquet to be held on Jan. 24, 2015. The award will be presented by this year’s winner, Ida Kennedy.
Any person or organization may nominate a candidate by using the form that is downloadable from the city’s website.
The Man of the Year was first awarded in 1962 to Bruce Blakely. In 2012, the committee celebrated 50 years of volunteerism in the community when retired Riverbank teacher Paulette Roberson handed off to Darlene Barber-Martinez. Those who are chosen form a committee that presents the event in subsequent years. Although previous years have seen teams nominated — and winning — the award, now the nomination process is limited to individuals.
When considering a nominee, focus is placed on his or her contributions to Riverbank, highlighting activities aside from their job responsibilities, who have given selflessly of their personal time and talents for the betterment of the community. Nominees must be a citizen of Riverbank or work here.
Only one nominee is honored per year, with the exception of a tie. The winner receives a plaque, the title of Citizen of the Year and will preside as Grand Marshal of the 2015 Riverbank Christmas Parade. The winner also presides over the MOY-COY Committee as chairperson for the following year.
The awards ceremony also includes a scholarship for the student of the year, with students nominated by an organization or individual. Those nominated must reside in Riverbank although it is possible they may attend school elsewhere.
Often, the Business of the Year is presented by the Riverbank Chamber of Commerce at the same event.
The Citizen of the Year award is presented at an annual dinner, held at the Riverbank Community Center.
