On June 6, 2008, the East Moline Silvis Jaycees honored local citizens for their outstanding leadership and dedication to the Silvis community at the Distinguished Service Awards Banquet. The dinner and ceremony was held at TPC Deere Run, and was attended by all of the honorees, their guests, and the members of the East Moline/Silvis Jaycees.

The honorees and their bios are as follow:

Outstanding Student Athlete – Female
Rachel Medina – United Township High School

Rachel has gone above and beyond in proving herself as a well rounded student athlete. She has been active in volleyball, basketball, and went to State for her discus abilities in track and field. These activities along with a GPA above 3.7 have earned her the titles of Western Big 6 Scholar Athlete and Western Big 6 All Conference Athlete. Rachel has maneuvered throughout these actions with grace by using art as her outlet. Her accomplishments during her stay in high school have earned her many awards including: Jeff Sigler Art Memorial Award, President’s Education Award for Excellence, Illinois State Scholar, and the Gale Volger Award which nominates for the conference wide Don Morris Award in which Rachel was the 2008 recipient. Rachel has also been active within her community as a Daughter of the American Revolution member, dedicated to preserving historical artifacts and promoting patriotism within her community. Judging by her achievements thus far, Rachel is sure to accomplish whatever task is ahead in her future.

Outstanding Student Athlete – Male
Brian Slininger – United Township High School

The outstanding Male Student Athlete award winner, Brian Slininger, has shown exemplary abilities. While being involved in sports such as swimming and tennis, he has also held exceptional marks earning him the Salutatorian position for his 2008 United Township High School graduating class. Brian has shown his care for the community by being a member of the Key Club and participating in various events such as Trick-or-Treating for UNICEF and the Festival of Trees. Brian is also a recipient of the John Deere Harvester Special Recognition Award and was named an Academic All-American for swimming. To complete his well rounded education, Brian contributed to the UT Marching Band his Senior year. Brian plans on attending the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana next year with a focus in Mathematics and Computer Science.

Outstanding Educator
Jennifer Caldwell – Silvis Junior High School

Jennifer Caldwell is a true advocate for the students of Silvis Junior High School. She works very hard FOR students: whether it be ironing out a personality conflict with another teacher; trying to help modify the student’s inappropriate behavior; or spending Saturday mornings running Saturday School so that a number of students can catch up on their work to avoid failing a class. Mrs. Caldwell tutors students that need extra help at times convenient for the students.

As Builder’s Club advisor, Jennifer has begun a full-scale paper and cardboard recycle program for Pre-Kindergarten through Eighth grades. The school has won a statewide clothes recycling contest because of the work of Mrs. Caldwell and her students. Builder’s Club also directly works with the “Backpack Program” – a John Deere Foundation and Riverbend Food Bank sponsored venture that delivers food for 24+ primary grade children to take home for the weekend, guaranteeing our poorest students will eat nutritious meals on Saturday and Sunday.

Mrs. Caldwell has also assisted in a program which students are rewarded for acts of random kindness by receiving a phone call home, making the communication between school and home a positive experience for both students and parents.

By assisting students with all their academic needs, Mrs. Jennifer Caldwell has proven herself a well established and respected educator throughout her community.

Outstanding Police Officer
Mark Van Klaveren – Silvis Police Department

Appointed in 2001, Officer Mark Van Klaveren has been very active in many different areas of the law enforcement field. While receiving tenure with Quad City metropolitan Enforcement Group he worked on several big cases. This experience gave him the opportunity to show his ability to be an outstanding team leader. Since the beginning of this year, Officer Van Klaveren has assumed the position of detective, demonstrating his willingness to work alone to get the job done regardless of the hours required. Officer Van Klaveren also works with the Silvis Police Department on the Rock Island County Public Integrity Unit. A unit designed to respond to emergency situations requiring the skill and stamina needed in crisis situations. Officer Mark Van Klaveren’s dedication and attitude has not only earned the respect of his fellow officers, but also his community.

Outstanding Fire Fighter
Larry O’Brien – Silvis Fire Department

Larry O’Brien joined the Silvis Fire Department in January of 1963. With the support of his wife Pat, and two daughters Erin and Lisa, Larry earned the prestigious rank of captain over 10 years ago. As an active fire fighter in his department, Larry is always one of the first fire fighters to report to the station for fire calls. His dedication, experience, and personality have made him one of the most respected members of the department. The leadership and commitment that has developed over the past 45 years have made him am invaluable asset to the Silvis community.

The East Moline/Silvis Jaycees also took the opportunity to recognize two of their own members. The recipient of the 2007 East Moline/Silvis Jaycees Key Person Award was Katie Trulson. This award is given for outstanding dedication to the chapter and the community. Also honored was Aaron Brown, for his dedication to the community and his chapter by serving as President of the East Moline/Silvis Jaycees in 2007.

For more information regarding the East Moline/Silvis Jaycees Distinguished Service Awards Banquet or the East Moline/Silvis Jaycees chapter, please contact Katie Trulson at 309.235.0165 or ktrulson@mchsi.com.