Mary Waters named RF Citizen of the Year

By Andrew Harrington
Posted 1/14/25

Mary Waters, a 76-year-old long-time River Falls resident who has made a positive impact in many ways in the city, was named the Citizen of the Year by the River Falls Chamber of Commerce and Tourism …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Mary Waters named RF Citizen of the Year

Posted

Mary Waters, a 76-year-old long-time River Falls resident who has made a positive impact in many ways in the city, was named the Citizen of the Year by the River Falls Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau.

“It’s quite an honor,” Waters said. “I’ve been in town now for a lot of years so it’s a great town and I’m honored to be nominated.”
Waters has driven bus for the School District of River Falls since her son entered kindergarten back in the 1970s. She started as a bus driver to share a schedule with her son. Waters has “come and gone” from the district since starting a few times to venture into other fields including running a screen printing business for a few years, selling walk-in coolers and more.

“I’ve always come back to driving bus, and now for the last few years I’ve driven the special needs bus and you get very close to those children,” Waters said.

Waters’ other involvement includes leading the River Falls Chamber from 1985 to 1993, serving as an EMT for 25 years, being a child passenger safety technician where she won Wisconsin Child Safety Technician of the Year in 2014, being a founding member of Power of 100 Women in River Falls which has raised over $300,000 for local nonprofits since 2018, being the Chief Election Commissioner for the Town of River Falls and much, much more.

“It warms my heart, that’s all I’ve got to say,” Waters said. “It just makes me feel very warm inside because I haven’t done it to get the notoriety.”

Waters became a Gold Star mother in 2015 after her son Derrick passed away due to health complications from years as an Air Force Raven. Derrick served as a master sergeant and had to spend a lot of time away from the Waters family.

“He was on the ground in over 100 countries,” Waters said. “Many times we didn’t know where he was or when he would be back.”

Waters cherishes a memory of Derrick and his crew landing a helicopter at the River Falls Middle School and giving a presentation on the Minnesota Drug Reduction Program. To this day, Waters volunteers with Adoray Home Health & Hospice in support of military families.

The other three candidates for the award were David Markson, Greg Peters and Steve Schroeder. Their candidate profiles are as follows:

Markson

“David has shared his passion for the arts in River Falls for over 30 years. He has contributed to Music in the Park, created a mural at the old Ben Franklin building, and showcased his artwork at the Community Arts Base. A key supporter of Art on the Kinni, he donates his time to ensure its success. David has also been involved with the River Falls Community Theatre for over a decade, serving as a board member, actor, director, and primary set designer. Known as the ‘Sign Guy’ for his hand-painted advertisements, David’s dedication to the arts deserves recognition.”

 

Peters

“Greg (and Jenna) have been as big a part of River Falls for the last 20 years...From writing awesome columns for local News, to running the ball park, and his greatest gift being a live commentator at various local sporting events, bringing youth sports a professional and fun atmosphere... Greg has done all the big things for River Falls, but his true charm might be he always does the little things whenever he is needed and more important by whomever needs it..."

 

Schroeder

“Steve Schroeder is passionate about challenging strong students in the River Falls School District, dedicating time each week to engage students at Westside Elementary and Meyer Middle School in strategic thinking and complex problem solving. He shares logic puzzles and develops weekly challenge packets for students, who eagerly look forward to their time with ‘Mr. Steve.’ A lifelong learner with a love for mathematics, Steve is also learning to fly a plane. He embodies the district's character traits of curiosity, responsibility, cooperation, and perseverance. Additionally, Steve is an active member of the River Falls Rotary Club, volunteering for local causes. Steve’s passion for teaching and giving back makes a positive impact on both students and the community."

Waters will be honored at the chamber’s 2025 Annual Awards Banquet on Feb. 6 at Kilkarney Hills Golf Course. Tickets and more information can be found at https://rfchamber.com/annual-awards-banquet/.

 

Mary Waters, Citizen of the Year, River Falls Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau, River Falls, Wisconsin