The Village of Montgomery proudly recognized its 2026 Volunteers of the Year during a special ceremony before the board meeting June 8, to honor and celebrate the outstanding winners whose dedication, compassion, and service strengthen the community every day.
This year’s theme focused on the power of small moments and consistent acts of kindness that create lasting impacts across Montgomery. Volunteerism was celebrated not only through grand gestures, but through the countless ways community members give their time, talents, and energy to improve the lives of others.
The 2026 Volunteer of the Year honorees are:
•Active Adult Impact, Sharon Graeber
Village of Montgomery photos
Honored for her many years of dedicated service at the Oswegoland Senior & Community Center, where her reliability, kindness, and welcoming presence have positively impacted countless seniors, families, and community members.
•Business Impact, Loreto Arzola, State Farm Agent
Recognized for his exceptional support of the Village and Chamber events, as well as his dedication to empowering students through his work as a bilingual professor at the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Waubonsee Community College.
•Community Impact, Dan & Joanie Britton
Recognized for their ongoing commitment to serving others through church and community outreach programs, including the food pantry at St. Olaf, GriefShare classes, Love Purse, Samaritan’s Christmas Child, Faith & Blue, and numerous other service projects.
•Group Impact, Montgomery Beautification Committee
Recognized for enhancing community pride and connection through flower plantings, Arbor Day celebrations, seasonal decoration contests, and beautification efforts that bring residents together.
•Nonprofit Impact, Gemita Jones, Grow with GEM
Honored for her leadership in addressing community needs through food pantries, clothing closets, diaper drives, back-to-school fairs, and outreach efforts that provide hope and support to individuals and families.
•Rising Star Awards, Abury Avila, Evrey Dominguez Jr., and Lander Orocio
Honored for their enthusiasm, initiative, and positive spirit while volunteering at community events, demonstrating that young people can make a meaningful and lasting difference through service and volunteerism.
“Change doesn’t always come in big moments– it comes through consistent, thoughtful actions,” said Village Community Engagement & Event Coordinator Rosie Boeing during the presentation. “Because of our volunteers, Montgomery is stronger, kinder, more connected, and a better place to call home.”
The Village extends its gratitude to all volunteers who generously give their time in service to others and congratulates the 2026 Volunteer of the Year honorees for their outstanding contributions to the Montgomery community.
For more information on the award program and details, visit montgomeryil.org.
—Village of Montgomery government