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History of the Polish Arts Scholarship Foundation

In 1985, Frank and Wanda Winiarz, co-presidents of the Polish Arts Club of Buffalo, Inc., established the Polish Arts Scholarship Foundation. The Foundation was launched with an initial investment of approximately $25,000, funded by proceeds from the National Convention hosted by the Club that year. Robert Ciesielski, an attorney and Club member, prepared the formal Trust agreement.

The scholarship is administered by three trustees elected by the directors of the Polish Arts Club. The trustees are responsible for investing and managing the scholarship funds to ensure continued support for future awards. Wanda Winiarz served as chair of the trustees from the Trust’s inception until 1996. Leonard Sikora served as trustee chair from 1996 to 2010, and Stan Nowak currently serves as trustee chair.

Members of the selection committee promote the scholarship, review applications, and interview each finalist. Annemarie Franczyk served as selection chair from 1986 to 1998, and Anne Flansburg has served as selection chair from 1998 to the present.

Since 1986, the Polish Arts Club of Buffalo Scholarship Foundation has awarded 72 scholarships to Polish American students, with a total value of $72,500. The recipient of the 2026 scholarship was Charles Radomski.

This list of Polish Arts Scholarship winners is compiled from a list furnished to the Trustees by Annemarie Franczyk, selection chair from 1986 to 1998, and Anne Flansburg, selection chair from 1998 to the present.

Interview Committee

Anne Flansburg, Chair

Annemarie Franczyk

Regina Hanchak

John Medwid

Stanley Nowak

Ann Szczesny