Boca Raton’s Walk of Recognition has long served as a meaningful tribute to the individuals who have helped shape the city through leadership, service, and vision. This year’s ceremony carried added significance, as it marked a centennial moment for the city and expanded its recognition to honor a group of community leaders whose influence defined the early 2000s.

The Walk in Royal Palm Place stands as a permanent reminder that the strength of a city lies in the people who invest their time, talent, and resources into its growth. With each new addition, the Walk continues to tell the story of Boca Raton’s evolution through the contributions of those who helped guide it forward.

In 2025, after more than 26 years leading the Boca Raton Historical Society & The Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum, Mary Csar made the decision to retire, choosing a year that was deeply meaningful both personally and for the community. Her final year in the role coincided with Boca Raton’s centennial anniversary, a major civic milestone that provided natural bookends to her tenure. 

A Centennial Moment of Recognition

In honor of Boca Raton’s 100th anniversary, this year’s Walk of Recognition broadened its scope to celebrate a larger group of honorees, leaders whose work during a pivotal era helped shape the city’s civic, cultural, and philanthropic landscape. Rather than recognizing individuals one by one, the class was honored collectively, symbolizing the collaborative spirit that defined that generation of leadership.

Their names now stand together as a lasting tribute in downtown Boca Raton, offering residents and visitors alike a chance to reflect on the people whose dedication helped build the community we know today.

One of the most meaningful moments of the evening came with the recognition of Marta Batmasian, whose vision helped establish the Walk of Recognition nearly three decades ago. Her leadership and dedication to the Boca Raton community have played a significant role in shaping both the tradition itself and the city at large.

By honoring Marta with her own star, the evening paid tribute not only to her individual accomplishments, but also to her commitment to celebrating others. Her recognition served as a reminder that true leadership often lies in uplifting those around you.

The Walk of Recognition continues to serve as a bridge between Boca Raton’s past and its future. Each name etched into the Walk reflects a story of service, impact, and community pride with values that remain essential as the city looks ahead to its next chapter.