ROCK ISLAND, Illinois – Ten individuals and community organizations were recognized by the Rotary Club of Rock Island at its annual awards ceremony during its April 28 meeting. The honorees included students from Alleman Catholic High School, Rock Island High School and Augustana College; the Rock Island-Milan Education Foundation and Modern Woodmen of America; and Rock Island Rotary members Bud Phillips and Sue Rector.
The student honorees were:
– Claire Mehochko, daughter of Maureen Riggs and Hohn Mehochko (Alleman High School)
– Marcella Healy, the daughter of Jason and Sarah Healy (Alleman High School)
– Olivia Seidlitz, the daughter of Lisa Seidlitz and Nick Dobson (Rock Island High School)
– Averi Vroman is the daughter of Laurie and Zach Vroman (Rock Island High School)
– Kailynn Catalani of Roscoe, Illinois, the daughter of Marty and Lori Catalani (Augustana College)
– Alexander Sell of Rosemount, Minnesota, the son of Jeffrey and Jennifer Sell (Augustana College)
The two community organizations honored were:
– Modern Woodmen of America – the 2026 Outstanding Community Service Award
– The Rock Island-Milan Education Foundation – the 2026 Excellence Award
The two Rock Island Rotarians honored were:
– Bud Phillips, who was given the 2026 Luckenbill-Wray Award, for outstanding dedication and service to the Rock Island Rotary Club during the 2025-2026 Rotary year
– Sue Rector, who was given the A.T. Peara Service Above Self Award, the highest award Rock Island Rotary can bestow to a fellow member. Named for former club member Abasalom “A.T.” Peara, the award recognizes a life commitment to the principles of Rotary.
The Rock Island Rotary Club meets every Tuesday at noon at the Botanical Center and welcomes guests. For more information, visit http://rirotary.com/.