Irving Mayor Beth Van Duyne and the Irving City Council presented Janice Carroll with the Irving High Spirited Citizen Award on Thursday, March 20, spotlighting almost two decades spent dedicating her time, talents and efforts for the collective good of the city.
An Irving High Spirited Citizen gives freely of their time, service and commitment to the city of Irving, adding character and inspiring others to lead in pursuit of a high quality of life in Irving. As Irving’s City Secretary for nearly 15 years, Carroll attended all council meetings, ran Irving elections, sought to enhance public participation in city government, and safeguarded the democratic government process through transparent open government and open records.
Carroll’s career in municipal government began in 1977 as the first City Secretary for the Colony, where she later became the City Manager. She transitioned back to hold a City Secretary role in the city of Carrollton before filling that same role in Irving in 1995.
During that time she came to appreciate the work of the League of Women Voters due to their non-partisan stance in providing factual information to the voter while also encouraging Irving residents to vote at the local, state and national level. This is one cause she dedicates herself and volunteers much of her time to today.
Carroll serves on the board of directors for Irving Healthcare Foundation, where she has held various leadership roles and serves on the Irving Interfaith Clinic Board. She is a member of the Police Association Banquet Steering Committee and a past member of Irving Rotary.
With a vast knowledge of the city’s history coupled with a love for history, Carroll has been a longtime member of the Irving Heritage Society (IHS). Upon retirement, she was immediately elected to the board of directors and currently serves as IHS president. It was under Carroll’s leadership when the IHS officially adopted a mission and vision statement for the first time.
During her installation as IHS president, Carroll said it was her mother who taught her to value her heritage, noting that one of her great grandfathers led the Nacogdoches Company into the Battle of San Jacinto. She emphasized that while our ancestors do not define us and what we can accomplish in our own lives, acknowledging those who came before us and the sacrifices they made helps us all appreciate the quality of life that we enjoy today.
The High Spirited Citizen program was initiated in 1988 by the Irving Convention and Visitors Bureau. Its purpose is to encourage the spirit of volunteerism. To date, more than 400 of Irving’s “unsung” heroes have been honored with the award.
