Judge Paul P. Pangrazi was born, raised, and educated in Upper Kittitas County. After service in World War II, he returned to Cle Elum to raise his family and begin a lifelong commitment to public service and support of the Upper County Community. Paul began formally giving back to his community in 1952 when he became a member of the Cle Elum City Council. Mayor Mike Rossetti appointed him police judge in 1957. He later served as Justice of the Peace, Municipal Court Judge, and District Court Judge. His elective judicial service spanned 38 years until his retirement in 1996. This award recognizes and thanks other community-minded citizens who aspire, as Paul did, to make the Upper County a quality place to live.
The Cle Elum Mayor and Council will provide one award per year in accordance with the following criteria:
- Award recipient must have accumulated a record of distinguished service that benefits the citizens of Cle Elum. The type of service should not be limited but should be exemplary in nature.
- Consider a wide range of nominees and service. The desire is not to limit the Award to a specific area or profession. Examples include volunteers, law enforcement, civic leaders, education professionals, health professionals, religious leaders, city employees, and business leaders.
- Nominations will be accepted until Friday, November 13, 2026, and should be submitted using the form below or as a letter that includes the nominee’s name and the name of the person making the nomination. Nomination letters must be no more than 500 words. Only nominees nominated by another individual will be considered. At the end of the nomination process, the city leaders will identify the Award winner. The Award recipient will be announced at the December 8, 2026, Council Meeting, and a plaque and a $1,000 cash award will be presented to the recipient at the City Council Meeting. A larger plaque will be permanently displayed at City Hall, with the city adding the recipient’s name each year.