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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 29, 2025 Malgorzata Tulecki (313)-733-4535 [email protected] Piast Institute Announces Two Special Book Sale Events in September Hamtramck, MI – The Piast Institute, a national research and policy center dedicated to Polish and Polish American affairs, is pleased to announce two upcoming book sale events in September at its location at 11633 Joseph Campau Avenue, Hamtramck, MI 48212. These special book sale events will offer a wide selection of books focusing on Poland, Polish Americans, arts, history, recipes, World War II, and more. This is a unique opportunity for collectors, researchers, and community members to explore rare and valuable titles celebrating Polish heritage and culture.
For appointments, please call the Piast Institute at (313) 733-4535 or email [email protected] & also you can visit us online at www.piastinstitute.org for more information.
The Piast Institute was proud to collaborate with the boys and girls scouting organization Związek Harcerstwa Polskiego (ZHP) to bring a special Polish cultural experience to the zuchy (ages 7–11) during their two week stay at Camp Białowieża in Deckerville, MI. Piast Institute CEO Virginia Skrzyniarz, and Executive Vice President Malgorzata Tulecki, shared the Legend of the Wawel Dragon from Kraków — a story of bravery and imagination that captured the children’s attention. Inspired by the tale, each scout painted their own ceramic dragon, where the youth brought their own “Smok Wawelski” to life. The program wrapped up with singing and storytelling — a magical close to a day full of creativity and culture. The activity tied in perfectly with this year’s camp theme, Knights and Princesses, just ahead of the zuchy’s exciting field trip to the castle museum tomorrow. #PiastInstitute #ZHP #CampBiałowieża #PolishCulture #SmokWawelski #Zuchy #PolishHeritage   The Piast Institute is proud to announce that Franciszek Buciek, a dedicated high school intern from Hamtramck High School, has been honored with the inaugural John J. Janowicz Renaissance Scholarship Award. Franciszek was surprised with the award during the Top 25 Polish American Leaders in 2025 Awards Banquet, held on Sunday, June 1, 2025.
The John J. Janowicz Renaissance Scholarship was established in memory of a generous donor and longtime supporter of the Piast Institute, who wished to celebrate the continued legacy and contributions of Polish Americans. The award recognizes outstanding young individuals who embody a spirit of service, cultural pride, and community engagement. Franciszek has been part of the Piast Institute team for the past five summers, working after school and contributing to various projects that support the mission of the Institute. Beyond his commitment at Piast, he is also deeply involved in the broader Polish American community. He volunteers with the Polish Scouting Organization (Związek Harcerstwa Polskiego) and is active at St. Florian Church and other community organizations. His tireless service, leadership, and devotion to his heritage truly exemplify the values that the John J. Janowicz Renaissance Scholarship seeks to honor. Congratulations to Franciszek Buciek on this well-deserved recognition! The Piast Institute is proud to support and celebrate the next generation of Polish American leaders. The Piast Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting Polish American culture, heritage, and community through research, educational programming, lectures, and cultural events. Our work is made possible by the generosity of individuals like you, as well as grants and contracts.
There are many meaningful ways you can support the Piast Institute:
To donate or learn more, please visit www.piastinstitute.org/donate or contact us directly. Thank you for your support. Program - June 1, 2025 Top 25 Polish American Leaders in 2025 Honor Guard/Flag Bearers..................Olivia Srodek, ZHP Bartek Malysa, ZHP Singing of American and Polish National Anthems..................Zofia Zajac, ZHP, Katarzyna Mikolajczyk, ZHP Housekeeping Remarks..................Shannon Schafer, Director of HDFCC Welcome..................Virginia Skrzyniarz, CEO/Co-Founder of Piast Institute Introduction of Dignitaries..................Stella Szczesny, Piast Board of Directors, Treasurer Invocation..................Fr. Andrew Wesley, Transfiguration Church (Blessed John Paul II Parish) Lunch Presentation of Awardees..................Honorable Judge Steven Bieda, Master of Ceremonies, Malgorzata Tulecki, Executive Vice President, Piast Institute Closing Remarks..................Richard Walawender, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Poland in Detroit Singing of Sto Lat..................By All
 Above: All 24 awardees are pictured except for Christine Kryszko. Below: is a video from the Top 25 Polish American Leaders in 2025 Awards ceremony recorded by the Polish Weekly. Below is also a longer recording of the Top 25 event by Mr. Gregory Kirchner, WHPL Channel 19. 
The Piast Institute is proud to announce its annual selection of the "Top 25 Polish American Leaders in 2025." This distinguished list recognizes outstanding individuals of Polish heritage who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication, and contributions to their communities, professions, and the Polish-American diaspora.
"The Piast Institute is committed to celebrating and promoting the achievements of Polish Americans across various fields," said Virginia Skrzyniarz, CEO and Co-Founder of the Piast Institute. "These honorees exemplify the spirit of leadership, cultural preservation, and community service that define our mission." The individuals selected for this year’s prestigious honor were nominated and evaluated based on their significant impact and influence within their respective areas. These leaders were selected by an anonymous committee voting on all submissions. The nominees had to be living Michigan residents of Polish descent, over the age of 21. They could not be Piast Institute employees or Board members. The list is presented in alphabetical order by last name: - Ann Bankowski - Cynthia Cervenak - Gregory Kirchner - Jacqueline Kolowski - Christine Kryszko - Peter (Piotr) Lisiecki - Barbara Lemecha - Brian Malski - Konrad Maziarz - Kristi Mihalic - Henrietta Nowakowski - Barbara Anna Nowakowski - Marzanna Owinski - Charles (Chuck) Pelshaw - Donna Skurski - Magdalena Środek - Jakub S. Szlaga - Evonne Szydlowski-Dec - Anthony Walawender - Richard Walawender - Bronisława Wiącek - Teresa Wiącek - Elizabeth Wienke - Michael Wilk - Jessica Urban These individuals have made a lasting impact in fields such as business, education, philanthropy, public service, and the arts. These nominees vary in their contributions to Polonia from representing Polish organizations, promoting events, legal advice, scouting, organizing testing for Polish language, to even stitching beads on folk costumes. Their efforts continue to shape and strengthen the Polish-American community, fostering cultural pride and unity. Without the community nominating these individuals and spotlighting their contributions, this would not be possible. The Piast Institute will celebrate these leaders at an official recognition event on Sunday June 1, 2025 at the Century Banquet Center located at 33204 Maple Lane in Sterling Heights, MI. Tickets will be available for purchase at Eventbrite at $40 until May 10, 2025. NO tickets will be sold at the door. For more information on the project, feel free to visit the Top 25 page on Piast Institute’s website. See button below. 
Support the work of the Piast Institute, a 501c3 nonprofit organization, with your donation today.
These programs and projects are supported by donors such as yourself. You can use the Paypal Link below to use a credit or debit card or you can mail a check to: Piast Institute. Mail it to: 11633 Joseph Campau, Hamtramck MI 48212. Piast Institute and its Board of Directors President, Dr. Dominik Stecula, have been quoted in the media a lot recently, thanks to the groundbreaking "Polish Americans Today" publication and national survey. This one-of-a-kind research provides valuable insights into the attitudes and trends of Polish Americans. You can read a bit more about the elections and Polish Americans here: https://medium.com/@decustecu/ This work would not be possible without the support of the community—people like you who make a difference. You can help continue this vital research and advocacy by supporting the Piast Institute, a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to Polish American affairs. Your tax-deductible donation makes all the difference. Please consider donating today at the link below: https://www.piastinstitute.org/donate.html https://histmag.org/Polacy-wybieraja-prezydenta-USA-Jak-glosowala-amerykanska-Polonia-w-poprzednich-wyborach-27519
https://www.deutschlandfunk.de/polish-americans-bei-der-us-wahl-interview-mit-d-stecula-ohio-university-dlf-4d7bf5b8-100.html
 Nominations are DUE by November 1, 2024 for Piast Institute's project, Top 25 Polish American Leaders in 2025. This platform created for Polonia to nominate Polish Americans has been open to all living residents of Michigan.
Please see the page for more detail.  Konsulat Generalny RP w Chicago organizuje dyżur konsularny w dniach 8 – 9 listopada br. (piątek - sobota) w Hamtramck, Piast Institute. Na dyżur obowiązują wcześniejsze zapisy telefoniczne które będą prowadzone w dniach: 29, 30 października 2024 roku, lub do wyczerpania miejsc. W celu dokonania zapisu na dyżur, prosimy dzwonić do Polish Consulate in Chicago w wyżej wymienione dni pod numer telefon: 312 337 8166, wew. 1 w godz. 10.00-13.00 (czasu chicagowskiego). Można znaleźć dodatkowe informacje pod stroną: The Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Chicago is organizing a consular duty on Friday November 8th and Saturday, November 9th this year in Hamtramck, MI at Piast Institute .
Prior telephone registrations are required for the duty, which will be held on: Tuesday October 29th and Wednesday October 30th until slots are filled. To register please call the Polish Consulate in Chicago on the above-mentioned days at the following telephone number: (312) 337-8166, ext. 1 between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. (Chicago time). You can find additional information on the website: |
