When asked to introduce this year's Citizen of the Year, I thought where do I begin? This person has meant so much to so many on both a business and personal level.
     She began her banking career in 1969. This was in a time that few women worked outside of the home. She worked in all areas of the bank gaining a great wealth of knowledge that would eventually take her to the top. In 2001, she became the first woman in the 100 year history of the bank to hold a management position. She retired in December of 2007, ending a 38 year banking career to begin a new era in her life. "RELAXING!"
     She has been a friend to so many people over the years. Anyone knew that they could go to her with a question or a problem, and with her soft-spoken voice and well thought out answers, she made everything okay.
     She has, over the years, become a City of Mansfield historian. She remembers details about the old stores that used to line the streets of the town. Just listening to her tell the stories takes you back to a time that was obviously much different than we have today. Almost making you wish that you could have seen the way it used to be.
     She has served on various boards and organizations when asked, and has helped to implement changes that can be seen in the city today. She has always been eager to help out where ever needed.
     She is a member of Mansfield First Baptist Church where she is very active.
     She is the mother of two sons, Nanny to two grandsons and one granddaughter, and as of today, her first great-grandchild. She is the core of her family and opens her home graciously for Sunday lunches and holiday meals. She makes the best homemade cinnamon rolls you have ever had.
     I have told this fine lady many times that she is like a second mother to me, and having said that, I an very honored to introduce to you the Citizen of the Year, Paula Coward.

(speech delivered by Sheila Carson)