These 9 community members recognized for their work in Freeport area communities

Jena Kleindl
·2 min read

FREEPORT — United Way of Northwest Illinois recognized members of the community during its seventh Small Town Heroes award ceremony on Saturday, Aug. 13.

“Small Town Heroes has a special place in my heart and when I came on with the United Way I was very excited to continue with this program,“ Stacy Kutz, office manager at the United Way of Northwest Illinois, said.

United Way of Northwest Illinois started the Small Town Heroes awards in 2016 and have honored more than 50 people in Stephenson, Jo Daviess, and Carroll counties.

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The United Way of Northwest Illinois says winners of the award are individuals who "truly embody the mission and values" of the organization.

This year’s awardees included:

  • Shaun Gallagher, of German Valley, who serves on the German Valley village board.

  • Becky Hebert, of Freeport, founder and president of Rebuilding Together Stephenson County.

  • Mike Risko, of Mount Carroll, with the Mount Carroll Community Foundation.

  • Paulette Williams-Thomas, of Freeport, former president of the Freeport school board.

  • Pat Norman, of Freeport, founder of the Freeport chapter of NAACP, member of Delta Sigma Theta service sorority, former teacher, principal and human resources director for the Freeport School District.

  • Thomas Fernstaedt, of Warren, who has served with Warren Fire Department for 55 years.

  • Karen Ehlers, of Mount Carroll, with the Mount Carroll farmer's market.

  • Linda Roderick, of Freeport, who works with the Hispanic community in Freeport.

  • Ben Skipor, of Freeport, who manages the Freeport Student Garden.

Nominations for next year's Small Town Heroes awards will open in March 2023. These are some things to consider if you want to nominate someone for an award:

  • Does this individual do things above & beyond their current job to give back to the community?

  • Do they exemplify the qualities of a servant leader? (Meaning they put the needs of others or the community above their own)

  • What level of change have they helped to make in the community?

  • How have their actions helped to inspire others to give back to their community?

  • Do they represent a cross sector of our community?

“If you know someone who is going above and beyond for their community, please please please nominate them,” Kutz said.

Jena Kleindl is a freelance correspondent.

This article originally appeared on Journal Standard: United Way celebrates 9 Small Town Heroes in the Freeport area