Eleven Residents Honored with 2026 Freedom Medals for Community Service and Dedication.
Camden County officials gathered at the Collingswood Grand Ballroom on Wednesday evening to honor eleven community leaders who have made a lasting impact in the county through their volunteer work. The 2026 Camden County Freedom Medal Ceremony recognized the dedication and service of these individuals, who embody the values of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., including service, compassion, and justice.
The recipients, representing various backgrounds and professions, were chosen for their tireless efforts to improve the lives of others in Camden County. Jeanette Alvarez, a long-time community advocate, was recognized for her work in supporting families and overcoming barriers to stability and opportunity. Giselle V. Brown, a 17-year-old high school student, was honored for her artistic talents and charitable donations to benefit ovarian and breast cancer research.
Other recipients included Captain Vivian Coley, a Camden City Police Department commander who has led initiatives such as Open Gym nights and wellness checks for senior citizens; Colonel Ted Gallagher, a veteran who dedicates his time to supporting veterans in navigating benefits and resources; and Father Vincent G. Guest, the vicar of the City of Camden who fosters an inclusive parish that reflects the diversity of the community.
The honorees also included Rob Jakubowski, mayor of Audubon, who has worked to improve quality of life for residents through projects such as a new recreation center and expanded outdoor access; Lion James, a kayak instructor and environmental educator who advocates for conservation and inclusive outdoor spaces; Jacquelyn B. Lee, Winslow Township's deputy mayor and committeewoman who champions voter education and environmental responsibility; Dan Rhoton, CEO of Hopeworks, which has transformed the lives of thousands of young adults in Camden through job training and career readiness; Dr. Leslie M. Showell, an early education specialist who founded a service dedicated to K–3 literacy and phonics enrichment; and Brian Truitt, owner of The Mylestone restaurant, which uses its platform to feed the homeless and support those in need.
The 2026 Camden County Congressional Award was also presented to Cherry Hill resident Jim Peeler, recognizing his service to the community.
Camden County officials gathered at the Collingswood Grand Ballroom on Wednesday evening to honor eleven community leaders who have made a lasting impact in the county through their volunteer work. The 2026 Camden County Freedom Medal Ceremony recognized the dedication and service of these individuals, who embody the values of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., including service, compassion, and justice.
The recipients, representing various backgrounds and professions, were chosen for their tireless efforts to improve the lives of others in Camden County. Jeanette Alvarez, a long-time community advocate, was recognized for her work in supporting families and overcoming barriers to stability and opportunity. Giselle V. Brown, a 17-year-old high school student, was honored for her artistic talents and charitable donations to benefit ovarian and breast cancer research.
Other recipients included Captain Vivian Coley, a Camden City Police Department commander who has led initiatives such as Open Gym nights and wellness checks for senior citizens; Colonel Ted Gallagher, a veteran who dedicates his time to supporting veterans in navigating benefits and resources; and Father Vincent G. Guest, the vicar of the City of Camden who fosters an inclusive parish that reflects the diversity of the community.
The honorees also included Rob Jakubowski, mayor of Audubon, who has worked to improve quality of life for residents through projects such as a new recreation center and expanded outdoor access; Lion James, a kayak instructor and environmental educator who advocates for conservation and inclusive outdoor spaces; Jacquelyn B. Lee, Winslow Township's deputy mayor and committeewoman who champions voter education and environmental responsibility; Dan Rhoton, CEO of Hopeworks, which has transformed the lives of thousands of young adults in Camden through job training and career readiness; Dr. Leslie M. Showell, an early education specialist who founded a service dedicated to K–3 literacy and phonics enrichment; and Brian Truitt, owner of The Mylestone restaurant, which uses its platform to feed the homeless and support those in need.
The 2026 Camden County Congressional Award was also presented to Cherry Hill resident Jim Peeler, recognizing his service to the community.
I mean, can we really be surprised that they're handing out medals for doing what's expected of us as citizens? It's not like these people did anything innovative or groundbreaking, just good ol' fashioned community service. And let's be real, it's a great way to get some publicity and boost the local economy, but is it really making a lasting impact? 
I'm all for recognizing people's efforts, but shouldn't we be focusing on the real game-changers here? The ones who are pushing the boundaries of what's possible? 
THEY'RE NOT JUST COMMUNITY LEADERS, BUT ALSO AMBASSADORS FOR POSITIVITY AND CHANGE IN CAMDEN COUNTY!!! I MEAN, WHO WOULDN'T WANT TO BE PART OF A MOVEMENT THAT'S ALL ABOUT SERVICE, COMPASSION, AND JUSTICE?!? 
IT'S AMAZING TO SEE PEOPLE FROM DIFFERENT BACKGROUNDS AND PROFESSIONALS COMING TOGETHER TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN PEOPLE'S LIVES!!! JEANETTE ALVAREZ IS A TOTAL ROCKSTAR FOR HER WORK WITH FAMILIES, AND GISELLE BROWN IS ONLY 17 YOUNG AND ALREADY MAKING A BIG IMPACT WITH HER ARTISTIC TALENTS AND CHARITABLE DONATIONS!!! 
And Giselle V. Brown is just 17, it's not like she's going to change the world but hey, good for her trying. Captain Coley and Colonel Gallagher are just doing their police officer and veteran roles, big whoop. I'm sure they're not even doing it out of any genuine passion or dedication... more like just a civic duty. 
and I'm still dreaming about those churros... they were like 5 for $10! 
anyway, have you guys tried that new coffee shop downtown? it's supposed to be super trendy, but honestly, I think their pour-overs are kinda overrated 
These community leaders are truly deserving of that recognition! I mean, think about it, we're living in a world where people still struggle with stability and opportunity... but these individuals are out there making a difference. Giselle Brown's art for cancer research? That's amazing 
. I'm all about celebrating people who go above and beyond to help others, even if it means putting themselves out there too 
. The fact that we have a mix of backgrounds and professions being recognized is what makes this so inspiring 
. We need more people like these community leaders in the world!
i mean i'm not gonna lie it's a bit pricey but like totally worth it i had the strawberry cheesecake one and it was to die for lol anyway back to the news... i feel like these freedom medals are super cool but what really caught my attention was that Lion James is a kayak instructor 
i've always wanted to try kayaking but never had the chance now i'm thinking of signing up for a lesson ASAP
also, it's so cool that giselle brown was recognized for her art and charitable donations 
It's a reminder that we all have the power to make a difference in our own neighborhoods and beyond 
. I love how the 2026 Freedom Medals are honoring Dr. MLK's values of service, compassion, and justice – we need more people doing the hard work in these areas 
. Can't wait to see what they do next! 
. These individuals embody the values of compassion and justice that Dr. King preached about, and by recognizing them, we're sending a message to our communities that these values matter too