The Citizen of the Year announcement always comes last at the annual event, after all other recognitions have been delivered.

When the time came to release the name of the person to carry the 2025 trophy home, it took a few moments for Munkus to process that it was hers being called.

And that the applause that had begun was just for her.

“Well, I didn’t come thinking that this would be me here,” Munkus said, looking out over a room filled with a supportive show of hands.

Munkus is known for numerous community involvements in Pell City, but one of the most known is her leading role with the Pell City Line Dancers, who have worked each year to support the city’s civic interests.

She and the assembly of a couple of dozen other dancers are known to show up anywhere, anytime, to share their dance steps and supply great spirit and joy wherever they might go.

The group has also worked together hosting the annual “Dancing With Our Stars” event for Pell City, not only providing an onstage outlet for the area’s dance enthusiasts, but helping to raise thousands of dollars for community entities — ranging from police and fire departments to civic groups and other causes.

“I was very shocked to be chosen as Pell City Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year 2025 and not prepared to make a thank-you acceptance,” Munkus said following the presentation. “For the first time in my life I was speechless.

“I have loved Pell City since my feet hit the ground in May 1991 with such friendly, welcoming community people,” she said. “Pell City and our entire community, truly, encourage and help one another in private lives as well as businesses.

“I am so blessed to have served on the Pell City Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors with many selfless citizens who work so very hard for our community,” Munkus said.

Cindy Howard and Michelle Greene, who were also nominated for Citizen of the Year, continue to be community leaders contributing weekly to our community for the betterment of Pell City, she said.

“What an honor it was for me to stand beside them last night to have our picture made together,” Munkus said. “I thank our Pell City Line Dancers for their hard work with Dancing With Our Stars for 11 years, the Pell City Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, our membership, my wonderful family and my husband, Victor Munkus, for helping me for 15 years building props, setting up, taking it down for different events like Dancing With Our Stars, Lights in the Park, Pell City Chamber of Commerce events, Pell City Christmas parades, Sock Hops, and our Artsplorations Camps. Thank you Pell City, for being good to me and my family.”

The categories for honors Thursday included small to large businesses and industries, professionals and services, and nonprofits as well as Police Officer and Firefighter of the Year.

As Pell City’s 2025 Firefighter of the Year, FireMedic Justin Brannon was the honoree, who told the audience he had become what he had always wanted to become for his hometown.

“This award is to recognize outstanding performance, personal commitment and dedicated service to our department,” said Pell City Fire Chief Tim Kurzejeski.

“FireMedic Brannon consistently steps up and succeeds with distinct character and exemplifies the Pell City Fire & Rescue standard,” Kurzejeski said.

2025 Police Officer of the Year, Silas Kissak, is a professional, compassionate and dedicated officer, said Pell City Police Chief Clay Morris.

“Officer Kissak is an exemplary officer who is mature beyond his years,” Morris said. “His work ethic and dedication to the department is second to none.”

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