A poet-rapper-educator, a conservation leader, a police chaplain and a neighborhood hardware store are among those expected to be presented tonight with 2023 Rock Island Citizen of the Year Awards.
The winners of the 36th annual Citizen of the Year awards, who will be recognized at the Monday, Aug. 28, Rock Island City Council meeting, were chosen from nearly 50 nominees in eight categories, according to a news release from the city. Those categories are: Individual; Youth; Education; Professional; City Employee; Veteran; Organization, Church or Non-Profit; and Business.
The awards were founded in 1987 as a way to recognize individuals and organizations that make a positive difference in the city of Rock Island community. This year’s winners were chosen by a panel of last year’s winners. It includes Mayor Mike Thoms, Alderwoman Jenni Swanson, Alderman Bill Healy, Community Engagement Manager Sarah Hayden, City Clerk Samantha Gange and Labor Day Parade Committee Chairwoman Mary Chappell.
“After receiving nearly 50 nominations, the Citizen of the Year Committee is proud to announce the eight winners and hand out awards Monday night,” Ms. Hayden said. “This year’s group is an example of the generous volunteers in the community who contribute their time, creativity and leadership to make Rock Island a better place to live, work and play.”
The winners also will be honored in the 2023 Rock Island Labor Day Parade, on Monday, Sept. 4.
The 2023 honorees honorees by category are::
- Individual: Aubrey Barnes – founder of Roaring Rhetoric and the non-profit group Young Lions Roar. Mr. Barnes is a poet, rapper and educator who inspires students to develop self confidence through poetry, writing and self-expression by performing in front of others. He has authored several books on poetry and is the co-founder and host of the Black Thoughts Podcast. He was among the QCBJ’s Forty Under 40 class for 2023.
- Youth: Nicolina Pappas – environmentalist and founder of Nicolina’s Turtle Co. Just 12 years old, Nicolina is already a conservation leader in the Quad Cities. She founded Nicolina’s Turtle Co. when she was 8 with the goal of reducing single-use plastic. Through her company, she sews straw pouches and sells them with reusable metal straws. She donates 100% of her profits to conservation groups and has raised more than $6,500.
- Professional: The Rev. Donald Johnson – Founder of Destiny Baptist Church. Rev. Johnson also has served as chaplain for the Rock Island Police Department for more than 20 years. He serves the community through faith and fellowship and volunteers his time working with at-risk youth.
- Education: Mike and Katie Mertel – Rock Island High School. An individual is typically chosen for this Citizen of the Year Award, but Mike and Katie Mertel are truly a dynamic duo who work together to make Rocky a more inclusive, spirited and accepting community through their work in classrooms and extracurricular activities, the city said. Mr. Mertel teaches World Studies and founded the RIHS Education Internship Program. He also leads the Cultural Appreciation Club. Ms. Mertel teaches English and serves as an advisor to the student council, organizes Homecoming Week, the Dance Marathon, the Student Hunger Drive and more.
- Veteran: Don Mewes – Former Marine who served during Operation Desert Storm. Mr. Mewes has volunteered for Big Brothers Big Sisters, served as a disaster relief responder with the American Red Cross, and serves on the City’s Liquor Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals.
- City Employee: Dan Gleason – Special events and fundraising manager for the Parks and Recreation Department. Mr. Gleason has worked for the city for more than six years organizing events and bringing the community together. The Citizen of the Year winner also volunteers his time for several boards and foundations throughout the Quad Cities.
- Business: Handy True Value Hardware – owners Bob and Pam Votroubek. Handy True Value, located at 1435 30th St., is recognized for its helpful and knowledgeable employees, donations to Habitat for Humanity, and for being a cornerstone small business in the community for more than 30 years. The Votroubeks also have been chosen as 2023 Rock Island Labor Day Parade Grand Marshals.
- Organization, Church or Nonprofit: – Second Baptist Church, 919 Sixth Ave. Founded in 1873, Second Baptist Church celebrates its 150th anniversary this year and continues to grow. This Citizen of the Year award winner serves the community through youth outreach, a food pantry, monthly meal site, van ministry, vacation bible school, a tutoring program, and the SBC Outreach Music and Arts Academy.
