With the theme of "Springing Up in Wayne," the Annual Banquet was held at the Beaumont Event & Concert Hall on Sunday.
Recognized as the 2023 Patron of the Year was Greenwood Cemetery Association. The cemetery has been a part of the community since 1883.
This year's Business of the Year was Johnnie Byrd Brewing Company. Greg and Kelly Ptacek, owners of the business, as well as several others connected to it, were recognized for the positive impact they have had on the community.
Educator of the Year was Joyce Hoskins, who taught at Wayne Elementary School for more than three decades.
The final award, Citizen of the Year, was presented to Matt Ley, CEO of State Nebraska Bank. He was recognized for both his business contributions to the community and his volunteers efforts in many aspects.
Below is the information available at press time on this year's recipients.
The 2023 Citizen of the Year award was presented to Matt Ley
In remarks during the presentation, Gary West, 2022 Citizen of Year shared the following information:
"This accolade celebrates individuals who embody the very essence of community spirit, selflessness, and dedication to the betterment of Wayne America.
"Matt Ley, as many of you know, is not only the CEO of State Nebraska Bank & Trust but also an exemplary leader, philanthropist, and advocate for our community's prosperity and well-being.
Matt's impact on Wayne is profound and multifaceted. As the steward of State Nebraska Bank & Trust, spanning five generations, Matt has cultivated a legacy of service and excellence. The bank's steadfast commitment to our community is evident in its employment of 25 local individuals, whose collective efforts contribute over $1.2 million annually to our local economy.
"He has championed initiatives that promote community engagement and empowerment, such as the donation matching program for employees and the establishment of the Blue Devil Branch, a pioneering educational endeavor aimed at fostering financial literacy among our youth.
"Matt's philanthropic endeavors are not confined to the boardroom; he is an active participant in community life, serving as a volunteer coach, mentor, and advocate for various youth sports programs and community organizations. His passion for youth development and community building is a testament to his unwavering commitment to Wayne's success."
Kim Hix, the 2022 Educator of the Year, presented information on Joyce Hoskins, who was selected as the 2023 Educator of the Year.
"It is with immense pleasure and pride that we gather here today to honor and celebrate an exceptional individual who has dedicated her life to the betterment of education, athletics, and community spirit. Joyce Hoskins, esteemed educator, coach, mentor, and leader, has been named the Wayne America 2023 Educator of the Year, and it is truly a well-deserved recognition of her tireless efforts and unwavering commitment.
"Joyce's journey in education and coaching spans over three decades, starting as a teacher at Wayne Middle School in 1991 and transitioning to Wayne Elementary School in 2010, where she has been a beacon of inspiration for sixth-grade students in the subjects of math and language arts. Her passion for teaching and her dedication to her students are evident in her exemplary track record. Joyce has consistently gone above and beyond, running an afterschool math assistance group for an astounding 30 years, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to excel and reach their full potential.
It is no surprise that under her guidance, her students' math scores have consistently been among the highest in the district.
"Beyond the classroom, Joyce's impact extends to the realm of athletics, where she has served as a coach and mentor for numerous student-athletes. From her tenure as the Jr. High Volleyball Coach to her role as the High School Varsity Volleyball Coach, Joyce has been instrumental in shaping the lives of young athletes, instilling in them values of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. Her efforts have led several teams to state championships, and her athletes have received numerous accolades, a testament to her exceptional coaching prowess.
"In every aspect of her life, Joyce embodies the values of dedication, compassion, and leadership. She is a shining example of what it means to be an educator, a coach, and a community leader. Joyce Hoskins is more than deserving of this prestigious award, and we are honored to celebrate her remarkable achievements."
