Pine Island Citizen of the Year:

Pine Island Citizen of the Year winner is William Grohoski.

William Grohoski was born in Goshen, New York. Bill grew up on the family farm, the oldest of three children, in Durlandville, where onions, celery, and lettuce were the main crops.

He was drafted into the Army in May of 1966. He completed Basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, followed by twenty-four weeks at the Army’s Signal Center & School at Fort Monmouth, N.J. then, by a year in Vietnam. Upon his return from Vietnam in 1968, he went to work for Agway, managing fertilizer blend plants. In 1971, Bill managed the Agway Branch on Pulaski Highway. In 1988, he took his management skills to West Point supervising the Pest Management Program, retiring in 2015.

Bill joined the Polish Legion of American Veterans (PLAV) here in Pine Island in 1985.

In the early 1970’s, Bill, along with the late Frances Sodrick and the late Jack Webster, formed the Drowned Lands Historical Society on an ad hoc basis. Over the years, the trio collected artifacts and archives relating to the unique history of the drowned lands.

During an eight-to-ten-year time span, around 1985 to 1995, Bill Grohowski, Frances Sodrick, Jack Webster and Leonard DeBuck formed a visiting educational troupe and were invited to go into the local 4th grade elementary school classrooms to present all things related to the black dirt. Bill was an expert on the production of onions, the region’s main crop. Bill is a founding and active member of the Drowned Lands Historical Society based in Pine Island. He is always ready to serve and help, especially sharing his knowledge with the youngsters about all things Black Dirt, above or below water, from thousands of years ago to things happening today.

In recognition of Bill’s ongoing efforts to document the history of the black dirt region, the Orange County Legislature passed a resolution designating Bill the official Black Dirt Historian.

As mentioned earlier, Bill has been very active in the ranks of the PLAV. Bill is the driving force in the organization. This past Memorial Day, once called “Decoration Day,” he presented an historical presentation of the origins of this important American holiday. Everyone learned a lot from this trusted and faithful member of our community.

William (Bill) Grohoski was presented with a plaque, honoring him as the 2025 Pine Island Citizen of the Year.

The Pine Island Chamber Youth Achievement Award

The 2025 Youth Achievement winner is Sovanny Kuklis.

Sovanny has consistently demonstrated her commitment to the well-being of our community. Her service includes volunteering at the Black Dirt Feast where she supported our Chambers annual farm to table event that celebrates the agriculture of the area and awards three high school students a scholarship.

In addition, Sovanny has taken on leadership roles through programs such as the Wildcat Ambassador Orientation Training and New Student Orientation at Warwick Valley High school, helping guide and welcome new members of our school community. Her efforts extend to conducting Greenwood Lake Student Tours, ensuring that students and families feel informed and supported.

Sovanny’s consistent willingness to dedicate her time and energy to her school and her community reflects on her strong moral character. Congratulations Sovanny!