Bill Skelton has been selected as University Park’s 2013 Citizen of the Year. He and his family moved to University Park in the early 1990s. A current member of the City’s Park Advisory Committee, Bill’s previous community involvement includes serving as President of the La Fiesta de Las Seis Banderas Order of the Flag, as Director of Bus Shuttle Operations at Highland Park United Methodist Church, and as President of the Friends of the Library. In that capacity, his hands-on leadership was essential as the responsibility for daily operation of the library transferred from the Friends to the City. University Park Public Library opened its permanent state-of-the-art home in the Plaza at Preston Center in January.

A nominating letter urging Bill’s selection, reads in part, “Bill has responded to the needs of this community, demonstrating steadfast leadership and a strong sense of fairness and resolve to get things done.” When notified of his selection, Bill was quick to express his admiration for his community and its many resources. “I’m proud to say that our family resides in University Park. After living in four other cities across the country, we realize what an outstanding city University Park is and how fortunate we are to have pristine parks, excellent city services and a nationally recognized school system. We knew this is where we wanted to raise our family. Being involved with the development of the new University Park Public Library as well as serving on our Park Advisory Committee has been an honor and privilege I will never forget.”

A senior vice president in the Private Client Group at Southwest Securities, he and his wife Zora have three children. All three are HPISD graduates. Along with riding in the Fourth of July Parade, Bill will be presented with a plaque and a special Citizen of the Year gift during a brief ceremony at the Goar Park Gazebo.

The City Council created the Citizen of the Year award to boost public awareness and appreciation for the many residents who work, often behind the scenes, to better the City's quality of life. Rather than acting out of a need for recognition, these residents are driven by a desire to contribute to their community.  Whether beautifying our neighborhoods, increasing local opportunities for our youth, or raising money for various worthy projects, all demonstrate an exceptional level of citizenship.

Story and photo courtesy of Steve Mace, Community Information Officer, City of University Park