Battle Ground residents and local officials gathered Wednesday, April 29, at Prairie Tavern to celebrate Johanna Hyatt as the community’s 2025 Citizen of the Year.
Selected by a private committee from community nominations, Hyatt was recognized for more than a decade of volunteer service across Battle Ground. She first learned of the honor during a surprise announcement on March 12.
Since 2013, Hyatt has held leadership roles in the local General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) chapter, including serving as president from 2017 to 2019 and again from 2022 to 2025. She has chaired the Ladybug bazaar for seven years, helping raise funds for local projects, and remains active with Friends of the Battle Ground Library. Her work also includes helping establish a Little Free Library near City Hall and supporting organizations such as the North County Community Food Bank, Family Resource Center and Battle Ground Senior Citizens.
The celebration drew a full room on Wednesday evening.
“I must admit I was quite surprised,” Hyatt said after receiving a plaque in her honor. I'm still not entirely sure how this happened to me, but I'm the triple whammy. This town has given me so much over the 13 years.”
Mayor Eric Overholser also spoke during the event, highlighting Hyatt’s steady impact.
“You show up faithfully, you give generously, and you lead with humility as we see on display tonight,” he said. “Whether it's organizing, encouraging or simply being present, you've made a lasting difference in ways that often go unseen but are deeply felt by the community. Awards like this are not just about a list of accomplishments; they are about the impact that you made, and your impact is woven into the fabric of this community.”
Hyatt will be honored again at 9 a.m. July 18, during a rose planting ceremony at Central Park, held just before the Harvest Days Parade.
