Boyertown Citizen of the Year

04/12/2026

We had a Sold out event tonight!
Thank you everyone who joined us to honor at the great people!

04/09/2026

Here is the program flyer for the COTY event!

03/27/2026

Let's get to know our recipients! Last, but certainly not least....

Citizen of the Year – Jayne McHugh

Jayne McHugh’s lifelong commitment to Boyertown reflects a simple philosophy: serve because you love your community. A retired educator from the Exeter School District, Jayne taught first grade for four years and fourth grade for fourteen years, shaping young lives with patience and dedication.

Her service extends far beyond the classroom. Jayne currently serves as President of the Junior Woman’s Club of Boyertown, an organization she has faithfully supported for 20 years. She was also selected as Junior Special Program Chairman for the General Federation of Women’s Clubs of Pennsylvania, a testament to her leadership and organizational skills. A charter and lifetime member of the Boyertown Alumni Marching Unit, Jayne has devoted 50 years to the group, serving as trip coordinator, 50th Anniversary Chairman, and active member of the Twirling Corps. She serves on the Wreaths Across America committee and as Secretary and Events Coordinator for the Directors Big Band. She has also served on the Boyertown Ambulance Board.

Her faith community is equally important to Jayne. At New Hanover Lutheran Church in New Hanover, she is a member of the Bell Choir, volunteers at the annual Great Swamp Picnic, and serves on the church’s 325th Anniversary Committee.

Jayne’s motivations are rooted in gratitude and family. With two sons who served in the military, two daughters-in-law, two grandsons, and her husband Tom by her side, she credits her upbringing for instilling in her the belief that family and community go hand in hand.

“I just do,” she says humbly. Her service is not for recognition, but for the love of the Boyertown community — and the desire to see its organizations and people thrive.

03/27/2026

Let's meet some of our recipients:

2026 COTY Program Bio Student of the Year – Alison Shapin
Alison Shapin is a student leader committed to civic engagement, dialogue, and meaningful change. For the past two years, she has served as the Boyertown Area School Board Student Representative and as a member of the Berks County Youth Advisory Board. She has also contributed as a student stakeholder to the district’s Strategic and Comprehensive Planning Teams for 2025 – 2026 and completed more than 100 volunteer hours.

Academically distinguished, Alison is a 2025 National Merit Scholarship Commended Student, an AP Scholar with Distinction, and recipient of the College Board National School Recognition Award. She is also a member of the National Honor Society. Through the YMCA Youth and Government program, where she has participated for five years and served three as a Youth Senator, she sponsored mock legislation passed by the Youth Governor in both 2022 and 2024.

Her work on the Youth Advisory Board has included helping to develop and allocate a $15,000 grant to local nonprofits supporting human trafficking prevention and survivor assistance—addressing a critical yet under-recognized issue in Berks County.

An advocate for civics education and respectful political dialogue, Alison is motivated by a belief in collective effort and unity. An accomplished classical vocalist and active participant in school theater productions, she combines intellect, creativity, and compassion in service to her community.

03/27/2026

Let's get to know our recipients:

Special Recognition – General Carl Spaatz National USAAF Museum

The General Carl Spaatz National USAAF Museum, under the leadership of CEO Colonel Keith Seiwell, USMC (Ret.), stands as a dynamic educational and historical resource in Boyertown. Founded from a lifelong passion for preserving military history, the museum honors the legacy of General Carl Spaatz and the contributions of American servicemen and women from
World War II to the present day.

Colonel Seiwell, a 30-year U.S. Marine Corps veteran who retired as a colonel in 2009, established the museum to create an immersive “living history” experience. Through interactive exhibits, flight experiences, and award-winning escape rooms – recognized by the Pottstown Mercury Readers’ Choice Awards in 2023, 2024, and 2025 – the museum educates and engages visitors of all ages.

Its mission is to inspire future generations by promoting the history and heritage of the U.S. Armed Forces and highlighting the role of service members in defending freedom. The museum’s success is rooted in strong community support and the dedication of volunteers who built, financed, and operate the facility daily.

More than a museum, it is a tribute to sacrifice, service, and education – ensuring that the lessons of history continue to inform and inspire Boyertown and beyond.

03/27/2026

Let's learn more about this year's recipients! Next...

2026 Mentor of the Year – Jeffrey K. Brunner

Jeffrey K. Brunner, choir director and music teacher at Boyertown Area Senior High School (BASH), has devoted his career to inspiring students through music. A graduate of BASH himself, Mr. Brunner has taught vocal music in the Boyertown Area School District since 2005, serving students from elementary through high school.

Under his leadership, Boyertown choirs have earned consistent state-level recognition and have performed at prestigious venues including Carnegie Hall, as well as internationally in Austria, the Czech Republic, the United Kingdom, and Spain. His select choir has been invited to perform at the American Choral Directors Association Eastern Division Conferences, and in 2018 he was named an Outstanding Teacher in Berks County by the Reading Eagle.

Beyond performance accolades, Mr. Brunner’s greatest impact lies in mentorship. He has served on numerous district committees, advised student organizations, and volunteered nearly a decade with the West Road Warriors, mentoring middle school students as they trained for annual 5K races.

An accomplished endurance athlete, he has completed multiple triathlons, marathons, and in 2024 finished Ironman Chattanooga. However, his focus remains firmly on his students. He strives to instill discipline, teamwork, kindness, and pride through music, believing that the rehearsal room builds both artistry and character.

For Mr. Brunner, being named Mentor of the Year represents what he values most: relationships, growth, and helping students realize their potential.

03/27/2026

Let's learn more about this year's recipients! First up....

First Responder of the Year – Jarid Miller

Jarid Miller exemplifies dedication to public safety and community service. A third-generation firefighter, Jarid has served with Boyertown Area Fire and Rescue for 27 years, carrying forward a family tradition of answering the call to help others. He also serves with Bally Ambulance and Boyertown Ambulance, providing critical emergency responses throughout the region.

Professionally, Jarid has worked for 15 years in Production Control at Campbell Fittings, balancing a full-time career with his demanding volunteer commitments. He has also contributed to the community through 24 years with the Pennsylvania Technology Student Association (TSA) Alumni and two years of service on Boyertown Borough Council.

Jarid describes firefighting as being “in his DNA.” From childhood, he watched his father and grandfather respond to emergencies, and he knew he wanted to follow in their footsteps. He says he always feels at home at the firehouse or on a call.

A devoted father to Ben and Emily, and partner to Raechelle and her children Lily-Ann, Dakotta, and Gaige, Jarid values family time—whether attending sporting events and recitals, camping, hunting, fishing, or cheering on Philadelphia sports teams.

“We do it for the people,” he says. “Someone has to answer that call.” His hope is to inspire the next generation to step forward and continue serving the Boyertown community.

03/17/2026

Wow is this Beautiful! Hand made glass heart to honor this years Citizen of the Year!
One Heart of a person with a Huge Heart!

03/13/2026

Their shop is beautiful and Amazing !
We are so excited to have Taylor Backes Glass shop providing and hand made glass piece for our Citizen of the Year!
One of a kind gift for a one of a kind person!

02/24/2026

Update!! We only have 35 seats left! Get your reservation in now to join us!

Award Gala Event Ticket Reservations are $30 in advance and can be bought on this page or $35.00 per person at the door if any space is still available.

04/13/2025

The phrase that resonated throughout the night was “You are either from Boyertown or wish you were.” Tonight, we recognized the outstanding contributions of the 71st Citizen of the Year, Mentor of the Year, Senior High School student of the Year, First Responder of the Year, and Special Recognition Award honoree.