RI celebrates talents, generosity of 2025 Citizens of the Year

A “serial volunteer,” the executive director of the Rock Island Downtown Alliance, a restaurant known for its pizza and calzones and the Quad Cities public radio station are among the winners of the City of Rock Island’s 38th Annual Citizen of the Year Award.

In all, nine individuals, businesses and organizations were recognized with award presentations Monday, Aug. 25, during the Rock Island City Council meeting. Those honorees – who also will be recognized during the Monday, Sept. 1 Rock Island Labor Day Parade – and the categories they were chosen in are:

• Individual: Kathy Lelonek, community volunteer. 
• Youth: Jeremiah Evans, Rock Island High School student. 
• Education: Jarrin Williams, Rock Island High School English teacher and track coach.
• Professional: Jack Cullen, executive director of the Rock Island Downtown Alliance.
• Artist/Creator: David Sebben, three-time published author and chief contributor to the Retro Quad Cities Facebook page. 
• City Employee: Tammy Mendoza, office assistant III in the Public Works Department.
• Veteran: Marshall E. Glover, Jr., U.S. Army veteran.
• Community Volunteer Organization, Church or Non-Profit: WVIK, Quad Cities NPR. 
• Business: Huckleberry’s Pizza & Calzones. 

Nominations for the award, which was founded in 1987, are sought from community members. Winners this year were chosen by the Citizen of the Year Committee, which is composed of last year’s winners, Mayor Ashley Harris, Alderman Randy Hurt, Community Engagement Manager Sarah Hayden, City Clerk Samantha Gange, Executive Assistant Colleen Skolrood and Labor Day Parade Committee Chairwoman Mary Chappell. 

“After receiving nearly 50 nominations, the Citizen of the Year Committee is proud to announce the winners and hand out awards,” Ms. Hayden said in a news release. “This year’s honorees were chosen because of their talent, generosity and commitment to the Rock Island  community.” 

More about the winners

Their individual and collective contributions as listed in the city’s news release include:

• Individual: Kathy Lelonek, who calls herself a “serial volunteer,” devotes her time to such organizations as the Rotary Club of Rock Island, the Rocky Resource Room at Rock Island High School, Clock Inc. and the Rock Island Art Guild. As president of the Rock Island Library Foundation, she was instrumental in raising $9 million for construction of the new Watts-Midtown Library Branch. She brought Ballet Quad Cities and yoga into Rock Island schools. She wrote grants for washers and dryers for the Rocky Resource Room and raised funds for playground equipment. Ms. Lelonek is a cornerstone of the Rock Island community and its nonprofit ecosystem.  
• Youth: Jeremiah Evans, 15, is a sophomore at Rock Island High School. The dedicated student is a talented cross country and track athlete. He also is manager of the boys’ basketball team. During the football season, he works sideline technology and operates the drone. Jeremiah volunteers in the community including at the Quad Cities Marathon, the Firecracker Run and Nest Café. 

  

• Professional: Jack Cullen helped launch the Rock Island Downtown Alliance in 2023. It’s a public-private partnership between the city and the Quad Cities Chamber. Alongside downtown property owners, he was a driving force behind creation of the downtown Special Service Area, a sustainable funding source to improve downtown. He’s been a key figure and advocate for the Rebuild Downtown Rock Island Project. That includes securing funds for reconstruction and renovation of downtown core areas, such as Arts Alley. Under his leadership, the alliance launched a capital improvement grant program for downtown business and building owners. It also pioneered its ambassador program to maintain a welcoming environment. He’s worked with small businesses to create special activities. They include holiday-themed promotions and 2nd Saturdays on 2nd Avenue during the QC Farmers’ Market. 
• Education: Jarrin Williams is an English teacher at Rock Island High School. He also serves as head coach for the boys’ cross country and track teams. He successfully led athletes to state championships and other titles. Mr. Williams, a 1990 Rocky grad, also was an accomplished track and field athlete. In his 10th year as a teacher, he fosters inclusiveness and serves as a role model for all students. He also leads Homecoming activities and keeps other Rocky grads connected by organizing class reunions. 
• Artist or Creator: David Sebben is a published author, historian and chief contributor to the Retro Quad Cities Facebook page. He has written “Go Rocks,” a history of Rock Island football; “The Solomon Butler Story,” about a legendary Rock Island High School athlete; and co-authored the book “Rock Solid,” on the history of Rock Island High School. He is working on the histories of Rock Island High School basketball and the Rock Island Southern Railroad. Mr. Sebben preserves Rock Island’s history, traditions, spirit and stories for generations to come. He also is a dedicated Rock Island High School employee, often volunteering for events in his free time.  
• Veteran: Marshall E. Glover, Jr. Mr. Glover served in the United States Army for six years before receiving a medical retirement. During his military career, he was stationed in South Korea, Texas and Kansas. His service reflects a deep commitment to his country and to supporting fellow soldiers both during and after their time in uniform. He is a mobile crisis counselor with Foundation 2 Crisis Services, working in the Mobile Crisis Outreach program to support individuals in critical need. He volunteers with the City of Rock Island Parks and Recreation Department. 
• City Employee: Tammy Mendoza, office assistant III in the Public Works Department. Hired in 1976, Ms. Mendoza is the second-longest serving employee in Rock Island history at 49 years. She is expected to retire soon. When she does, the city said fellow employees will celebrate her commitment to Rock Island and the support she has provided to the department. In her five decades with the city, she has served hundreds of thousands of residents and customers with patience, integrity and professionalism, and represents the best of what public service can be.  
• Business: Huckleberry’s Pizza & Calzones. Owners Jon Keim and Delia Herrera opened Huckleberry’s in 1992 and are known for specialty pizzas and calzones. In its 33rd year, Huckleberry’s is the epitome of resilience and positivity. The owners rebuilt after it was severely damaged by a September 2014 fire that destroyed eight other downtown Rock Island buildings. Huckleberry’s served take-out meals during COVID-19 and endured limited access to their restaurant during downtown reconstruction. Mr. Keim and Ms. Herrera are tireless supporters of fellow entrepreneurs and champions of downtown Rock Island. Mr. Keim was instrumental in forming the Rock Island Downtown Alliance and has encouraged other businesses to stay the course. They are admired for their hard work and dedication to the community. 
• Organization, Church or Non-Profit: WVIK, Quad Cities NPR. This year, WVIK will celebrate its 45th year as the community’s source for in-depth news, classical music, jazz and locally-based programming. Founded as a National Public Radio affiliate by Don Wooten in 1980, WVIK has continued to provide local news and coverage of the community’s arts and culture scene, devoting hours of airtime every day to music and  public affairs programming. Despite losing $135,000 in federal funding this year, WVIK continues its tireless commitment to telling local stories that strengthen our community.