CITIZEN OF THE YEAR
2026 Citizen of the Year
Nancy Whelehan Leport

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The Hilton community is proud to honor Nancy Whelehan Leport as the 2026 Hilton Citizen of the Year,
recognizing her decades of service, leadership, and unwavering dedication to preserving the shared history of Hilton and Parma.
Nancy has been a central figure in organizing and advancing local historical preservation efforts for future generations. As Secretary of the Parma–Hilton Historical Society, she has played a vital role in safeguarding the stories, artifacts, and traditions that define the region and connect its past to its present.
Her commitment to service began early and has continued throughout her ministry career, nonprofit leadership, and ongoing historical work. She also played a transformative role in the Hilton Alumni Association, helping turn a simple scholarship idea into a thriving 501(c)(3) organization that now supports students, teachers, and alumni across generations.
Under Nancy’s steady leadership, the Hilton Alumni Association has grown into a powerful force for educational support and community connection. Her vision and dedication have strengthened the fabric of the community, ensuring that both Hilton’s history and its future remain vibrant.
Please join us in celebrating Nancy Whelehan Leport, the 2026 Hilton Citizen of the Year,
and thanking her for her lasting impact on the Hilton community.
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Hilton Citizen of the Year Recipients |
| 2026 |
Nancy Whelehan Leport |
| 2025 |
Hilton Apple Fest Committee Members |
| 2024 |
Steve Elliott |
| 2023 |
David Zajonczkoski |
| 2022 |
Rick Holden and the Volunteers of the Hilton Food Shelf |
| 2021 |
Tom Smith |
| 2020 |
James Mullen |
| 2019 |
Walt Horylev |
| 2018 |
Pat Johnson |
| 2017 |
George Heinrich |
| 2016 |
Charlie Kimball |
|
2015
|
Tom Scheg |
2014 |
Tina and Mike Zebulske |
2013 |
Linda Viney |
2012 |
David Tresohlavy |
2011 |
Kay Melvin |
2010 |
Robert Martin & Thomas Hunte (in memory of their father Fredrick Hunte) |
2009 |
Thomas Burger |
2008 |
Sharon Prince |
2007 |
David Goodrich |
2006 |
Pastor Albert Zoller |
2005 |
John Duggan |
2004 |
Rick Furnal |
2003 |
Doug Hurlbutt |
2002 |
John Barclay |
2001 |
Alexander Howe |
2000 |
Mary Lane, Ann Doan, Patricia Brotz |
1999 |
Edward (Bud) Hendershot |
1998 |
Carm Carmestro |
1997 |
Wilbur Hermance |
1996 |
Herb MacNaughton |
1995 |
Homer Marple |
1994 |
Frank Hutchison |
1993 |
Brayton Miles & Barbara Miles |
1992 |
Josie Waverly |
1991 |
Herb Trimmer |
1990 |
Gordon Bascom |
1989 |
Ron Gosnell |
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