Citizen of the Year
Each Spring, the Barrington Area Development Council presents a Citizen of the Year Award to a person or persons who have made a meaningful contribution of time and effort that has benefited the entire greater Barrington Community.
This includes fields such as health, finance, land use, youth, education, conservation, and transportation.
51 Honorees and Counting
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Chosen by the Community
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Honoring a Legacy of Service
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51 Honorees and Counting | Chosen by the Community | Honoring a Legacy of Service |
Don Thompson, the Barrington Area Development Council’s 51st Citizen of the Year, has dedicated his life to strengthening the Barrington community – most notably through more than three decades of service at Barrington’s Consolidated Unit School District 220. A 1961 Barrington High School graduate, Don returned to his hometown as a teacher, principal, and eventually Assistant Superintendent, shaping generations of students and families. Even after retirement, he remained a trusted historian and resource for the district, contributing his vast knowledge to communications projects, anniversary celebrations, and the preservation of local school history.
Beyond education, Don’s service to Barrington is equally profound. He has been a steady volunteer presence across the community – from the Barrington 220 Educational Foundation and the Sesquicentennial Committee to the Barrington Brat Tent, VFW, and his church, St. Matthew Lutheran. He played a pivotal role in founding the Barrington High School Alumni Association, helping cultivate a strong alumni network, and has long been an active leader in the Barrington Lions Club, where his efforts have supported critical community needs. Friends and colleagues describe him as a mentor, role model, and the kind of person who always says yes when asked to help.
For many, Don is lovingly known as “Mr. Barrington” – a devoted father and grandfather, a proud Bronco and Filly fan, and someone who embodies trustworthiness, humility, and a genuine commitment to others. His impact is woven through decades of civic life, educational leadership, volunteer service, and quiet acts of kindness. The BADC is honored to recognize Don Thompson for his remarkable contributions and lifelong dedication to making Barrington a better place for all.
Don Thompson
2025 Citizen of the Year
Past Citizen of the Year Honorees
1975 Ruth Moor
1976 Bill Miller
1977 Larry Knouff
1978 Sam Oliver
1979 Catherine & Corliss Anderson
1980 Cyril Wagner
1981 Penny Horne
1982 Flo Bash
1983 Harold Lipofsky
1984 Peg Cullen
1985 Faith Semla
1986 Mary Alice Linde
1987 Jeanette Muench
1988 George Van Hagen
1989 Ed Bierkness
1990 Suzy Palmer
1991 Mary Anderson
1992 John Kranz
1993 Waid Vanderpoel
1994 Phil Bash
1995 Stevenson Mountsier
1996 Joseph Kelsch
1997 J. William Braithwaite
1998 Dave Nelson
1999 Norval Stephens
2000 Dolores Wagner
2001 Robert Woodsome
2002 Patsy Mortimer
2003 Lorraine Briggs
2004 Edith Auchter
2005 Jim Peterson
2006 Freddie Pederson
2007 Konrad Bald
2008 Kim Duchossois
2009 Tom Vanderpoel
2010 Richard and Roxy Pepper
2011 Bob Lee
2012 Carol Nelson
2013 Pat Karon
2014 Sue Randall
2015 Beth Raseman
2016 Sue McGrath*
2017 George Yapp
2018 Chrissie Mena
2019 Vincent and Patricia Foglia
2020 Brian Battle
2021 Barbara Benson
2022 Rev. Dr. Zina Jacque
2023 Penny Kazmier
2024 Jack Schaefer
*Awarded posthumously
Past Lifetime Achievement Honorees
2018 Sam Oliver
2019 Norval Stephens
2025 Karen Darch
Our Awards
Citizen of the Year
Volunteerism
Honoring outstanding volunteer leadership in our community
The Citizen of the Year Award celebrates individuals whose volunteerism, leadership, and dedication have made a lasting impact on the Barrington area. This annual recognition highlights the spirit of service that strengthens our community.
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Demonstrates exceptional volunteer service and civic engagement.
Embodies one, two of all three of the BADC Cs: Champion Community, Cultivate Leadership, Celebrate Service
Has made a significant positive impact on a nonprofit, organization, or community initiative.
Lives or serves within the Barrington area.
May be recognized posthumously.
Open to individuals of all ages.
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Nominations for our Citizen of the Year award will open on Month Date, 2026.
Our nomination form requirements are:
Nominee name
Nominee accomplishments and contributions
Nominator name and contact info
Community Service
Professionalism
Recognizing professional and civic contributions that make the Barrington area stronger
The Community Service Award honors individuals whose leadership and dedication have advanced the well-being of the Barrington area through their professional or civic efforts. This award is presented as merited to those who go above and beyond to serve others.
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Demonstrates leadership or innovation that positively impacts the community.
May work in any field, including business, education, or public service.
Does not need to be affiliated with a nonprofit organization.
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Nominations for our Community Service award is open year-round and there is no formal nominating process.
If you would like to nominate someone, please email info@barringtonareadevelopmentcouncil.org.
Lifetime Acheivement
Legacy
Celebrating a legacy of service and community leadership
The Lifetime Achievement Award honors individuals whose decades of commitment and service have profoundly shaped the Barrington community. This rare recognition celebrates those who have built a lasting legacy through volunteerism, leadership, and civic engagement.
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Has contributed significantly to the community over many years.
Demonstrates exceptional dedication and leadership across a range of organizations or causes.
May have served as a volunteer, civic leader, or professional contributor.
Open to individuals of all ages, though typically honors long-time community members.
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Nominations for the Lifetime Achievement award are generated by the current Barrington Area Development Council board. The BADC gives this award when deemed appropriate.
