1st Tri-Annual 2025 WINNERS
TEAM
Award Recipients: Carlson Team: Donald Walker, Eric Brown, Sue Kindred
Donnie Walker saw a need in the community and took action. When Belvedere High School couldn’t field a hockey team, he partnered with Sue Kindred and John Larson to launch a new high school team in Rockford. With support from the Amateur Hockey Association of Illinois (A.H.A.I.), the Rockford Lightning was born, giving local students a chance to play high school hockey without leaving the area.
Sue handled team operations, while Eric Brown and Alex Edwards coached the high school team, and Donnie led the JV squad. Each team had 20 athletes and strong backing from the Rockford hockey community, with packed stands at every home game. The JV team capped the inaugural season with a state championship win at the United Center. Beyond the success on the ice, the teams brought in extra revenue for local rinks and proved there was a real need for high school hockey in the area.
Award Recipient: McIntosh Elementary Team: Kiara Brandon, Davon Hollingshed, Antwan Applewhite, Aulaysha McGhee, Tamika Williams, Alivia Hughes, Alexandria Sosa, Mykal Brown
We are nominating this dynamic team for their hard work and adaptability throughout the school year at McIntosh Elementary. They supported staff during morning routines and lunch, checked in with students to meet social-emotional needs, led structured recess activities, and helped create a safe, connected environment. Since August, their efforts have reduced lunch and recess discipline incidents, boosted family night attendance, and supported over 60 students in Tiger Time SEL groups. Their impact has improved classroom learning, behavior, and student connection while celebrating student success with the joy and spirit RPD is known for.
Award Recipient: Smooth Operator Team: Haley Varble & Camille Blake
Lots of people worked hard to make sure the recent transition of account numbers was a smooth process. Specifically, I would like to nominate Haley Varble and Camille Blake for their collaborative effort on updating Rec Trac account numbers. Both Haley and Camille went above and beyond by working through the night to ensure that Rec Trac was updated efficiently and effectively. Their proactive approach included preparing our team (over at the Sports Factory) in advance, providing clear communication about what to expect during the transition. Thanks to their efforts, the project was completed on time and done right. Remarkably, they returned to work the next day to support us and address any issues that may have come up. They worked hard on this project and the customers and staff were able to proceed without any disruptions.
Award Recipient: Lockwood Team: Faye McManus Kayla Tilly, Mila Reed, Tracy Lovegren, Shelby Hill, Katie Hultgren, Nicole Cabe, Sandra Beck.
It’s amazing what can happen when people connect! While learning about goose management and canine corners, the Lockwood Team discovered Faye McManus’s passion for animals and her talent for painting. Faye jumped in to help launch the new Painting with Ponies program—which was a huge success, complete with Kayla and Faye dressed as Bob and Barbara Ross!
Behind the scenes, the whole team helped plan and deliver a truly memorable experience. Over the past three months, the Lockwood Team has worked hard to launch several brand-new programs from scratch, including indoor lessons, Equine Assisted Learning, Hooves N’ Harmony Yoga, Reading Round Up, and Books in the Barn. After completing a 6-week Equine Assisted Learning program, Summit Academy participants wrote heartfelt letters to the team, reminding us all why we do what we do: to help people enjoy life.
Individual Winners
Award Recipient: Zach Moore
Zach has truly exceeded expectations this year, especially through his dedication to four major ISC events: the Home Show, Volleyball Tournament, Boat & Fishing Show, and RV Show. He led the setup and teardown of all show pieces, including handling extensive electrical work, often working long hours, nights, and weekends, always with a smile. These events brought over 100,000 people to our facilities, and with limited staff, Zach’s commitment was essential to their success. His hard work, positive attitude, and strong relationships had a direct impact on both team success and guest experience. We couldn’t have done it without him.
Award Recipient: Sara Rady
Sarah has been a key asset to the Canine Corners off-leash dog parks, going above and beyond to build strong relationships and enhance visitor experiences. She’s proactive with maintenance, ensures safety, and knows when to call in support when needed. Her efforts have improved customer service and created a welcoming environment. Sarah has also successfully engaged patrons without tags, turning many into loyal customers. Her creativity shines in the events and programs she’s helped develop, and her passion for the Park District and Canine Corners has made a lasting impact.
2nd Tri-Annual 2025 WINNERS
TEAM
Award Recipients: The Difference Makers- Kate Holstrum & Ethan Benhoff
As Camp Director and Assistant Director, these two individuals have demonstrated exceptional commitment to enhancing the experience we provide for children throughout the summer. Whether spending the morning helping a new camper, who is not only new to our program but also new to the United States feel safe and welcomed, or making difficult but necessary phone calls home to communicate important information, they consistently go above and beyond to ensure a positive, inclusive environment. They’ve created a space where both campers and staff are supported, encouraged, and able to grow. They have a deep understanding of the summer camp program and how to make the most of the nine weeks we operate. No matter what the task may be, they step in without hesitation, fully aware of how each decision impacts the children we serve. From communicating important updates and fun stories to parents, to tie-dyeing a new shirt for a camper who lost theirs or dreaming up creative ideas to make weekly themes special and memorable, what might be considered “above and beyond” is simply the norm for these two.
In a season where staffing challenges have been frequent, they have worn many hats: serving as group leaders, program assistants, and even maintaining the site to ensure safety and cleanliness. Their care, effort, flexibility, and unwavering reliability have made a significant difference.
Serve and Sizzle -Becky Starks, Shawn Fraker, Darren Lanning, Barb Madison, Jean Tryggestad, Louie Mateus, Jaymeson Wilcox, Imani Harmon, Emily Gottman, Jackson Martindale, Kate Porter, Kasandra Aguilar, Emma Krahmer, Dylan Savage, Keysha Hernandez, Laura Oberg, Yamian Santana, Gina Aiello, Logan Traum, Karolina Galarza, Allison Murry, Bailey Remey, David Gray, Gary Bidzimski, Drake Szyp, Zach Alita, Micah Reed, Derek Papich, Karleshia Phillips, Louis Dotson, Lorenzo Dotson, James Davenport, Jaszmin Minneyfield, Osmond Dryden, Kaylee Sitter, Latasha Newsome, Cynthis Davis, Jenesis Burris, Julia Tudor, Taylor Coffman, Jasmine Pickens, Koeleyon Agee, Jennifer Facer, Alberto Belmontes-Macias, Alexa Gama-Segura, Jonny Macias, Noah Garcia, Tameka Thorton, Marissa Arreguin, Tahany Castelan, Jesus Maldonado, Mariah Massey, Selena Mclain, Philippe Ndikumana, Antonio Palmer, Tay Russey, Daneysha Santana Hernandez, Jaden Williams, Charizma Young, and Milton Phillips.
Recently, our District hosted the AAU Rockin’ Rockford Grand Prix Volleyball Tournament, a vibrant celebration of talent and sportsmanship that brought together 336 teams and over 4,000 athletes and their families. The energy and excitement were palpable, but behind the scenes was an extraordinary amount of hard work and coordination that made it all possible.
One of the most impressive feats was transforming the turf fields at ISC into fully functioning volleyball courts overnight, a logistical challenge that required precision and dedication. Every detail, from scheduling games to recruiting school volunteers and rallying current staff and retirees, was carefully planned and executed.
The Concessions Team went above and beyond, preparing hundreds of cookies, brownies, cinnamon rolls, donuts, and more baked in advance to ensure efficiency. They created organized “grab-and-go” stations to minimize wait times, coordinated early food deliveries, and even partnered with Jersey Mike’s to offer fresh sub sandwiches. A standout addition was the Smoothie Station, which quickly became a fan favorite.
The revenue goal for the event was $50,000. Thanks to this team’s effort, concession sales exceeded expectations, reaching an incredible $53,000!
A large-scale event of this magnitude doesn’t happen by chance. It’s a reflection of outstanding teamwork, strategic planning, and unwavering commitment to excellence. For their exceptional performance and embodiment of our “One Team, One Goal” culture, I proudly nominate the ISC and UW Concessions Team for the Gold Star Award.
Individual Winners
Award Recipient: Shannon Schumacher
This nomination is for the individual who leads our Teen Camp for youth with disabilities, an exceptional program that consistently leaves a lasting impact on both campers and staff.
Comments like “Best job I’ve ever had,” “I went into the field of serving people with disabilities because of this job,” and “My child loves coming to camp” are common reflections shared by staff and parents alike. These statements are a testament to the positive and meaningful experience this camp provides.
The dedication and leadership behind this program deserve to be recognized. Every camper is made to feel welcomed, valued, and included. The leader’s ability to connect with teens is truly remarkable, fostering strong relationships that help each camper feel engaged and supported throughout their time at camp.
The joy, laughter, and energy that fill the camp each day are a direct reflection of the commitment to creating a fun, safe, and unforgettable environment. This program not only enhances the lives of the campers but also inspires the staff who serve them.
Award Recipient: Derek Papich
I am honored to nominate this individual for their outstanding leadership and mentorship. This is my second season working under their guidance, and during this time, I transitioned into a new role as a Softball Supervisor. From day one, they have helped me build a strong foundation for success—not only in my current position, but also in preparation for my future career after graduation from Northern Illinois University.
They have taught me key principles of supervision and professional development, helping me improve essential communication skills such as writing professional emails, making phone calls, and effectively interacting with directors and teams. Their guidance has given me the confidence to approach my responsibilities with professionalism and poise. Even more impactful has been the way they’ve shown me how to enjoy my work while maintaining a healthy balance and prioritizing mental well-being. Their support has been instrumental in my growth, and I truly believe I wouldn’t be as confident or effective in my role without their mentorship. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to learn from such a dedicated leader. Their influence has made a lasting impact, and I’m proud to recognize the difference they make every day.
Award Recipient: David Gray
This team member has taken a proactive role in leading staff training on the new Toast program and has been instrumental in helping the team become proficient with it. They go above and beyond to support colleagues, even outside of regular working hours, responding promptly to calls and offering guidance when needed.
They consistently ensure that all concessions areas are clean, well-stocked, and organized. During special events and last-minute initiatives, they readily volunteer to set up and carry out tasks with efficiency and enthusiasm. Their consistent kindness and appreciation for both staff and volunteers help foster a positive work environment.
When the air conditioning was down at CRR and temperatures soared to 92 degrees, they took the initiative to gather fans from ISC and personally purchased Gatorade from Costco to support staff onsite. They are often the first to distribute Karat cards, recognizing and uplifting team morale.
This individual is highly flexible, willingly adjusting their schedule to cover shifts across locations and assisting wherever needed. They’ve also trained staff on preparing popcorn, kettle corn, and chicharrónes, and they ensure golf carts are stocked and ready. Their ongoing support with the Toast handheld devices has been key to a smooth transition.
In the absence of leadership, they stepped up, managing operations, maintaining the schedule, adjusting as needed, and ensuring nothing fell through the cracks. They truly embody the “One Team, One Goal” spirit and are a valuable and positive asset to the team.
Award Recipient: Selena McLain
In her first year as the Softball and Facility Supervisor, this team member truly hit it out of the park! She continues to exceed expectations in customer service, timely work completion, and consistently demonstrates the “One Team, One Goal” mindset.
This season, she took on several new responsibilities and excelled in every one of them, learning how to create both regular and post-season schedules, utilizing our online software to publish schedules, upload scores, schedule umpires, and manage last-minute changes or shortages. She not only met expectations but exceeded them in every aspect of her role.
Going above and beyond, she took the initiative to become a certified One Nation Umpire so she could step in to officiate games when there were umpire shortages throughout the season. She approaches every new challenge with grace, professionalism, and a positive attitude.
Her strong customer service skills are evident in the feedback we’ve received, being described as “solid” and providing “great customer service… we will definitely be utilizing your facility in 2026.” She has become an integral part of Sportscore One operation, strengthening relationships with both returning and new customers.
A high-level communicator, she handles difficult situations and customer concerns with calm, maturity, and effectiveness. She doesn’t hesitate to jump in wherever she needs assisting in concessions during busy tournament rushes, covering shifts when staff are unavailable, and supporting maintenance by prepping diamonds, cleaning restrooms, and picking up litter.
She is a dedicated team player, and her commitment to the success of our programs, our facility, and the Rockford Park District is truly appreciated. We are fortunate to have her on our team.
Award Recipient: Kuenzi Dearth-Horwich
If you haven’t had the chance to be involved with the Therapeutic Recreation (TR) department, you’re truly missing out. From the warm smiles and heartfelt hugs to the genuine passion shown by the staff, this department is nothing short of incredible.
It all begins with strong leadership. The person leading this team demonstrates outstanding leadership skills and goes above and beyond, both inside and outside of the Rockford Park District. Every day, she actively promotes RPD programs on social media, advocates for youth, and connects families with the best resources available, even if it’s outside the district.
This is more than just a job to her, it’s a true calling. Her dedication and passion are evident in everything she does, and the impact she makes is felt by everyone around her.
Award Recipient: Carson Olofson
This individual deserves special recognition for their outstanding efforts to elevate the district’s visibility and amplify our message to the community. Their work has significantly helped showcase the many ways the Rockford Park District supports the mental, physical, and financial well-being of our residents.
By highlighting spring and summer tournaments at our regional sports facilities, they’ve helped the public better understand the positive economic impact of these events and the district’s essential role in making them successful. Their efforts have caught the attention of city leaders on LinkedIn and are reaching a broader audience through platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
They’ve also done an excellent job collaborating with staff at Lockwood Park to promote the positive effects of programs at the new Perks Family Equine Center, particularly in mental health. Additionally, their leadership in developing a strategic, weekly social media content calendar has enabled the District to reach new and more diverse audiences.
Their work brings unique stories to life through well-crafted, informative messages that pair seamlessly with the creative assets produced by the marketing team, including photos, videos, and infographics. A standout example of this impact is the feature story created at Carlson Ice Arena about hockey player Evan Scott. That story drew the attention of local media, who are now planning their own coverage to highlight the positive influence of our hockey programs.
For these reasons, and many more, this individual is truly deserving of the Gold Star Performance Award.
3rd Tri-Annual 2025 WINNERS
Team Winners
Award Recipients: NFL Flag Football Regional Team:
It was truly a One Team One Goal Effort to bring The Chicago Bears NFL FLAG Regional Tournament to Clarence Hicks Sports Complex. This marked the first-ever tournament hosted at the newly expanded Facility! Team members across many departments went above and beyond in preparation to host this event in order to have the facility ready to host. This event brought 61 boys’ and girls’ teams from Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Iowa to compete for a chance to advance to the national championships! Six local teams were able to participate! The Chicago Bears NFL FLAG Regional Tournament didn’t just bring the action to the field; it pumped an estimated $467,509 into our local economy. Help me celebrate this special moment for the NFL Flag Football Regional Team: Lamont Jones, Nicholas Corrigan, Shian Gilbreath, Kayla Donnell, Johnny Macias, Marshalee Gordan, Kelly Olivencia, Jordan Acosta, M.C. Barton, and Greg Taylor
Award Recipients: Stroll on State
This nomination recognizes the exceptional team members, from multiple departments, who demonstrated remarkable dedication, flexibility, and teamwork during Stroll on State. For years now RPD has provided fun outdoor activities for families attending Stroll on State. This year despite facing wind, snow, and cold temperatures, the team-maintained positivity and worked effectively and efficiently. In addition to their onsite efforts, these team members put in extensive behind-the-scenes work that made the event possible. They adapted to three significant changes in space and layout, as well as ever changing weather, reworking plans quickly and efficiently each time. Their preparation included planning fun (snow friendly) activities, transporting a trailer, and securing outdoor heaters to ensure staff could stay warm throughout the event. While the weather didn’t cooperate for a full day event, these team members demonstrated great adaptability, problem-solving skills, and commitment to creating fun. Due to their unwavering commitment to serving the community, no matter the obstacles, they are highly deserving of recognition for both their visible contributions and their exceptional behind-the-scenes efforts. Come share in the celebration with these Gold Star Winners, Stroll on State: Andrew Bolhouse, Juno Renfro, Tim Brag II, Kirsten Tescon, Jeremiah Pearson Efrain Rivas, Natalya Starks, Olvia Clark, Josh Luebke, Ashya Ford, Destini Blakemore, Rebecca Jecklin, Jessiah Hopson, Laila Shepherd, Phillippe Ndikumana, Chancellor Bradley, Rihanna Gusner, Shamari Hollingshed, Paul Gary, Leahla Carter, Monica Winklemann, Shelby Hill, Clara Blaesing, Jordan Acosta, Brock Stroter, Nicole Cable, Mila Christian, Kuenzi Dearth.
Award Recipients: TR Teen Camp:
The team members listed above truly embodied the philosophy of one team one goal in helping to create a unique experience for participants at TR Teen Camp. We had an idea to bring guest speakers from around the park district to share what they do and help lead some type of activity related to their field of work to help expose our participants to different careers. All it took was one email out and these team members graciously agreed to come speak at TR Teen Camp. Carson kicked off the summer speaking to our TR teens about social media safety and then had some fun creating TikTok’s. Chet brought maintenance equipment to the teens to explore and then they built their own playgrounds dioramas. Max and T spoke about professionalism and interviews and did fun hands-on activities. Oak came and spoke about his time as a hockey player and referred to an intense game of floor hockey. Catie and Kahley came and spoke graphic design and then helped the teens create their own park district logo buttons and stickers. Ann and Kim brought their golf knowledge and created a game of golf/kickball that was a hit! For each of these experiences, team members took time out of their crazy busy schedules and to come out to program and created a memorable and unique opportunity for the campers and staff. These experiences helped the teens learn about career paths, creativity, communication, professionalism and more. Let’s celebrate together this amazing team, TR Teen Camp: Oak Hewer, Anne Bloomfield, Kim Self, Chet Parker, Catie Vernon, Kahley Logan, Carson Olofson, Max Rosenow, Tanijah Barton
Award Recipients: Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame: Jordan Zellman, Chris French, People working behind the scenes such as graphics, Catie Vernon, Bob Bier.
Relaunching the Rockford Area Golf Hall of Fame was no small task. Established in 2005, the Hall of Fame was created by the Rockford Park District to honor individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to golf in the Rockford area, preserved its history, and promoted the game. The former display at Elliot consisted of aging plaques and was no longer sustainable without a complete redesign. This team reimagined the Rockford Area Golf Hall of Fame and developed a modern, sustainable, and efficient concept for its return. Through collaborative planning and innovation, the team designed and installed a new interactive Hall of Fame display at Aldeen Golf Club. This refreshed exhibit provides the community with an engaging way to learn about nearly 50 individuals and organizations recognized since the Hall of Fame’s inception. Guests can now explore inductees’ accomplishments and contributions through an interactive touchscreen featuring photos, biographies, and historical information. In addition to the digital experience, the team revitalized Hall of Fame’s branding with an updated logo and new signage. The relaunch culminated in a successful ceremony celebrating the newest inductees of the 2025 class. This project marks a major achievement not only for the Rockford Park District but also for the entire golf community. It honors sport’s rich history while creating a sustainable foundation for future nominations, ensuring that those who have shaped golf in our community will be recognized for years to come. Let’s give a big round of applause for this them, Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame: Jordan Zellman, Chris French, People working behind the scenes such as graphics, Catie Vernon, Bob Bier.
Individual Winners
Award Recipient: Matthew Sweet
Recently, this individual took time out of a very busy schedule to assist with developing, updating, and organizing departmental budgets. They created and refined detailed Excel spreadsheets that significantly improved clarity and efficiency for budgeting and planning.
They also met with an intern to provide guidance and support, taking the time to explain processes, systems, and Excel in a patient and encouraging way that helped build the intern’s confidence and skills.
This person is truly an Excel wizard—highly skilled, always willing to help, and never making anyone feel like their questions aren’t valid. They explain even the most confusing spreadsheets with patience and respect, making complex information feel manageable.
Their willingness to help and teach others, their attention to detail, and their consistently positive attitude make them an asset to the district and an exceptional colleague, join me in celebrating Matthew Sweet.
Award Recipient: Bill Houtkamp
I am pleased to nominate this individual for the Gold Star Performance Award in recognition of their exceptional dedication, technical expertise, and unwavering commitment to Carlson Ice Arena over the past year. As our aging sound system became increasingly unreliable — especially leading up to the Figure Skating Spring Ice Show — this individual stepped in without hesitation. They engineered a temporary wireless sound solution that exceeded all expectations. The system performed flawlessly and delivered outstanding sound quality throughout the event. They even came in personally to ensure everything operated correctly and took the time to train staff to use the temporary setup with confidence. Beyond the immediate fix, this individual played a critical role in the complete revitalization of our sound system. They worked closely and professionally with SVL, coordinating speaker placement, equipment setup, and ensuring our facility received the right technology for long-term success. They also dedicated two overnight shifts to install the new system, preventing disruption to normal programming — a true display of commitment to both staff and guests.Throughout this entire process, this individual has been our go-to resource. As our previous system continued to fail, they consistently stepped in to keep us operational and ensured our patrons enjoyed the best possible experience.Their leadership, expertise, and willingness to go above and beyond have made a tremendous impact on our facility and skating community. We cannot say thank you enough for their support, professionalism, and dedication. They are truly deserving of the Gold Star Performance Award. Help me with a round of applause for, Bill Houtkamp.
Award Recipient: Mike Costello
Organizing the wide range of programming, facility locations, and services offered by the Rockford Park District into a clear and seamless online experience is no small task. Over the past year, this employee has devoted significant time, effort, and thoughtful planning to a complete website redesign, always keeping the customer experience front and center. Thanks to this work, every Rockford Park District website has been transformed into a more modern, sleek, and cohesive digital experience. The final phase focused on redesigning the main Rockford Park District website to better connect users to all services and programs, ensuring exceptional experience on both desktop and mobile devices. The site now delivers a sharper, cleaner, and more efficient interface. Key enhancements include mobile-friendly homepage navigation, improved integration between registration and program guide pages, and a more intuitive parks and facilities layout. Additional upgrades include a promotions section for current events, an analytics-driven hot links area, and a dedicated news article section — all designed to improve navigation and highlight valuable content.
Beyond the website overhaul, this employee plays an essential role in promotion and communication across the district. Working behind the scenes, they drive email marketing and social media campaigns that directly support the success of our programs and events. Their strong marketing mindset and leadership also extend to supervising video and social media production, where their guidance consistently elevates the quality and creativity of the team’s work.
This individual’s expertise, leadership, and dedication have made a significant impact on the Rockford Park District’s digital visibility, accessibility, and effectiveness. The refreshed web experience now showcases our offerings more clearly and makes connecting with our services smoother than ever. Let’s celebrate, Mike Costello,
Award Recipient: Kelly Kuchelmeister
I would like to nominate this individual for a Gold Star Performance Award for the exceptional work they have done at the Clarence Hicks Sports Complex. They have consistently gone above and beyond to help make this facility one of the best in the region. In addition to managing grounds maintenance for two golf courses throughout the day, they remain fully dedicated to spending quality time at Clarence Hicks Sports Complex, ensuring that we have a comprehensive, year-round turf maintenance plan that reflects true industry best practices.
Their expertise in turf management — from field preparation and irrigation to seasonal recovery and long-term sustainability — has significantly elevated the overall quality of our natural grass fields. They approach every challenge with a solutions-focused mindset and take pride in mentoring others on our Youth Sports Team.Over the past few years, Clarence Hicks has never looked better turf-wise than it does today. This fall, when we were selected to host the Chicago Bears NFL Flag Regional Tournament, there was initial concern about meeting the high turf standards previously set by the Oak Brook Park District. Through this individual’s leadership, attention to detail, and relentless commitment, the fields not only met those standards — they exceeded them. The compliments received from the Chicago Bears, RCX Sports, participants, families, and coaches were a direct reflection of their expertise and work ethic.
Beyond their technical skill, this individual is an outstanding team player. They communicate clearly, collaborate willingly, and are always the first to lend a hand — whether supporting Youth Sports prior to programming, troubleshooting field maintenance issues, or adjusting golf course maintenance schedules to accommodate last-minute needs at Clarence Hicks Sports Complex. Their positive attitude and willingness to support others make them an invaluable asset to the entire District, help me celebrate, Kelly Kuchelmeister.