DAVENPORT, IOWA (May 20, 2021) — Each year, the Jaycees of the Quad Cities honors local community members who are making a positive impact in our area. This year, with the current restrictions and mandates in place, the annual Community Awards Celebration looked much different. With just the Jaycees Board of Directors and award winners in attendance, a live-stream of the event on 19 May was presented to the general public and Jaycees members.
The Jaycees of the Quad Cities' Community Awards Celebration showcases individual excellence in leadership as demonstrated by outstanding initiative, impact of work, and inspiration of others. All recipients must be under the age of 40 at the time of the celebration to be eligible.
● Community Leader: Jenelle Wolber
● Educator: Dr Sarah Eikleberry
● City Servant: Bambi Suits
● Religious Leader: Joshua Pugsley
Awards included the following: Young Community Leader Award — Jenelle Wolber, Director of Business and Economic Growth Services at the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce This award recognizes an individual whose leadership has made a significant impact in our local community. This work could include societal or civic issues, address health or environmental concerns, or promote arts and humanities. The Jaycees of the Quad Cities celebrate people who strive to serve the less fortunate in their communities through active involvement while encouraging others to do the same.
Young Religious Leader Award — Joshua Pugsley, Youth Ministry Director at Wildwood Church in East Moline This award recognizes an individual whose religious leadership has made a significant impact on our local community. This recipient lives out the Jaycee Creed: We believe, that faith in God brings meaning and purpose to human life. That the brotherhood of man transcends the sovereignty of nations. That economic justice can best be won by free man through free enterprise; that government should be of laws rather than of men, That earth's great treasure lies in human personality, And that service to humanity is the best work of life.
Young Educator Award — Dr Sarah Eikleberry, Associate Professor and Assistant Chair of Kinesiology at St Ambrose University
This award recognizes an individual whose leadership in the classroom and/or within the educational setting has made a significant impact on our local community. This individual works to educate the whole student, works creatively to achieve excellence in learning, demonstrates leadership at their educational institution, and is a positive role model for all ages.
Young City Servant Award — Bambi Suits, Sign Language Interpreter with the Black Hawk Area Special Education District. This award recognizes an individual whose city leadership (elected or appointed office, administrator, police, firefighter, etc) has made a significant impact on our local community. This individual is a hard worker that strives to be helpful, honest, and fair while striving to make our community better.
Davenport Jaycees Foundation Scholarship Recipient — Emma Janecek. Recent Graduate Davenport North High School. Attending St Ambrose University in the Fall. This scholarship recognizes a resident of the State of Iowa and a student attending either Assumption High School, Bettendorf High School, Central High School, North High School, Pleasant Valley High School, or West High School who is entering their freshman year of college in the fall semester at an accredited post-secondary educational institution. They must be active in volunteer efforts within the Quad Cities community and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.
In addition to the community leaders honored, the Jaycees honored three of their own members who went above and beyond for the Chapter and the community. This past year’s honorees included:
2020 Jaycees Member of the Year — Seth Vergeyle. This award recognizes an individual member that has been actively involved with the chapter, shows great leadership, and is a role model to other members. This individual also seeks to grow involvement in the chapter.
2019 Jaycees Rookies of the Year — Micah Colbert. This award recognizes a first-year member of the chapter that has shown great initiative and involvement in various Jaycees programs and events. This individual cooperates, works in good spirit, and uses their human personality as a gift.
“We are honored to recognize the good work being done for the Quad Cities by so many influential individuals. As an organization with a mission based in giving back, we take pride in showing our gratitude for those who consistently make a positive impact on others. The Community Awards Celebration serves as token of our appreciation for the people who make the Quad Cities a wonderful place to live,” said Nikki Schaul, Chairwomen of the Board, Jaycees of the Quad Cities.
About Jaycees of the Quad Cities: Jaycees aim to build personal and professional relationships by working together on projects to strengthen and grow the Quad Cities community. The Quad Cities Chapter is one of the oldest chapters in the state of Iowa and has grown to include young professionals from both sides of the Mississippi River. They pride themselves on blending social opportunities with service such as planning the annual Bridal Expo and Bar-B-QC which raise funds for charitable initiatives. If you would like more information on these awards or on becoming a member, please visit www.jayceesqc.org or call 563-484-0041.
