Each year, people in the community have an opportunity to submit a nomination for Rock Island residents who have made selfless contributions of service to the community.

Rock Island High School dean Andy Campbell was chosen for the category of Education, RIHS coach Thurgood Marshall was chosen for the category of Individual, and RIHS student Riley Jones was chosen for the category of Youth. On September 27, they were honored at the city council meeting.

Here’s what their nominations said…

Thurgood Brooks 

Born and raised in Rock Island, Thurgood Brooks is a passionate and dedicated advocate for his beloved community. He currently serves on the Human Rights Commission, the Rock Island County NAACP, coaches football at Rock Island High School, and works at the Martin Luther King Jr. Center as a family advocate. Most recently, he worked with the City of Rock Island in establishing a Police Community Relations Commission in an effort to improve relationships between the police and citizens. Mr. Brooks believes that inspiration is the best thing you can give someone and he hopes to inspire others.

Riley Jones

Riley Jones is an inspiring young lady with many accomplishments at such a young age. She is currently a junior at Rock Island High School where she is a member of the National Honors Society, plays cello for the orchestra, and was recently chosen for the Metro Arts Youth Apprenticeship. She inspires others with her artwork. Most recently she was selected as the winner of the Congressional Art Competition for Illinois’ 17th District for her “Black Pride” piece. This piece will not only be displayed at our nation’s Capitol, but a mural was also recently painted in downtown Rock Island. Riley volunteers at the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center and is very passionate about her community.

Andy Campbell

Andy Campbell is a life-long Rock Islander, graduating from Rock Island High School where he was a football co-captain and baseball MVP. After earning his degrees from the University of Iowa and Western Illinois University, Andy taught physical education and science at Washington Jr. High School where he also coached football and girls’ basketball. In 2007, he starting teaching biology and chemistry at Rock Island High School and initiated a new course, Anatomy, and Physiology. In addition to teaching science, Andy Campbell is also a volunteer coach with the high school softball program, started a vegetable plant greenhouse at the high school, and was named the Milan Boosters Club Volunteer of the Year in 2019. Andy currently serves as the Dean of Students at Rocky. One of his teaching philosophies is: “What can I do to make a difference today?”

Congratulations to all!