Deadline Approaching for First Citizen Nominations

With little more than a week remaining before the deadline, nominations are still being accepted for the 64th Springfield Area First Citizen Award, continuing a tradition that has recognized community service in the Springfield area for more than six decades.

Nominations are due Oct. 1, with this year's recipient scheduled to be honored Wednesday, Nov. 18, at Erin's Pavilion at Southwind Park. The award recognizes individuals for sustained volunteer service and civic contributions outside of their professional responsibilities.

This year's nomination period comes as the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln takes on a new role in administering the First Citizen program. The foundation will manage the process through its subsidiary, New Community Improvement, Inc., providing organizational support for the award in the years ahead.

The First Citizen Award dates to 1963, when it was established by Springfield's Copley-owned newspapers. The program remained associated with The State Journal-Register until 2024. During the past two years, a group of previous First Citizen recipients led by Butch Elzea and John Eck Sr. managed the award and its selection process.

Elzea, who was named Springfield's First Citizen in 2008, said the award recognizes the community's tradition of volunteer service while encouraging others to become involved.

"Butch Elzea, John Eck, Sr. and others were looking for a way to ensure the First Citizen program would continue longterm," Community Foundation President and CEO John Stremsterfer said.

The arrangement with New Community Improvement allows the foundation to participate in community partnerships separately from its primary philanthropic and grant-making responsibilities.

A citizen selection committee will review nominations and choose the 2026 recipient. Selection committee chair Jane Denes said nominations each year highlight residents who have devoted their time and abilities to the community, often across several organizations and causes.

"Every year, the nominations submitted remind us just how many people quietly and consistently give their time, talent and energy to making our communities a better place," Denes said. "The First Citizen Award gives us an opportunity to recognize those people whose impact may span many years, organizations and causes. We encourage people to think about someone who has made that kind of difference and nominate them."

Nominees may have contributed through nonprofit organizations, civic groups, charitable causes, educational initiatives, faith-based organizations or other community efforts. The award focuses on volunteer and civic service beyond a nominee's professional responsibilities. Nominations remain eligible for consideration for five years after they are submitted.

Dr. Diane Rutledge was named the 63rd First Citizen in 2025 following decades of involvement in education and community organizations. Rutledge began her career as a teacher at Dubois Elementary School and later served as superintendent of Springfield Public Schools District 186.

The First Citizen tradition began with Harriet Knudson, who became the inaugural recipient in 1963. Knudson was instrumental in the creation of Lincoln Memorial Garden.

Residents may submit nominations and review nomination requirements at firstcitizenaward.org.