(Cherry Hill, NJ) – On Wednesday, January 21, a ceremony will honor 11 Camden County residents for their selfless contributions to improving their community at the 2026 Camden County Freedom Medal Ceremony.
Established by the Board of Commissioners in 2001, this award honors residents in Camden County who demonstrate ideals and actions that reflect the principles of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and have made a tangible contribution and lasting impact on their community. These accomplishments must be based strictly on volunteer work, excluding any remuneration. Since it began 25 years ago, more than 1,200 Camden County residents have received this prestigious honor.
“The individuals selected for this prestigious award embody the values Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stood for – service, compassion, and justice,” said Commissioner Jonathan Young. “Through their dedication to serving their community, they have each made a meaningful difference and are helping make Camden County a better place for all.”
The 2026 Camden County Freedom Medal will be presented to the following residents:
- Jeanette Alvarez, Camden
- Jeanette is longtime community advocate who is passionate about helping families navigate support services and overcome barriers to stability and opportunity. Her advocacy and professional work have paid off by building meaningful partnerships with community leaders throughout the city.
- Giselle V. Brown, Cherry Hill
- Giselle is an artist who at just 17, has had her work displayed in the U.S. Capitol, and featured in the Lunar Codex Project, a time-capsule that sent achievements of humanity to the moon. Giselle has donated her artwork to be auctioned off at numerous events to benefit ovarian and breast cancer research.
- Captain Vivian Coley, Camden
- Born and raised in Camden, Captain Coley began her law enforcement career in 1998 with the former Camden City Police Department, where she started as an officer patrolling the streets of East Camden, the neighborhood she still calls home. Since 2020, she has served as the commander of the Community Outreach Unit, where she has spearheaded several community initiatives, including Open Gym nights, bingo games and wellness checks for senior citizens, neighborhood cleanup events, and many more.
- Colonel Ted Gallagher, Cherry Hill
- Col. Gallagher is a tireless advocate for the Veterans of Camden County and beyond. He entered the U.S. Army in 1968 and served with distinction in Vietnam before his honorable release from active duty in 1970. Continuing in the Army Reserve, he ultimately retired at the rank of Colonel. Col. Gallagher has supported countless veterans through benefits processes, coordinated community resources, and strengthened local outreach.
- Father Vincent G. Guest, Camden
- Father Guest is the Vicar for the City of Camden, pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Camden. Father Guest’s public service career began as an attorney, practicing immigration, housing, and child welfare law. In 2012, he became ordained after being called to the priesthood. Father Guest is dedicated to fostering an inclusive parish that reflects Camden’s rich diversity.
- Rob Jakubowski, Audubon
- Rob is a lifelong Audubon resident who was elected to the Audubon Board of Commissioners in 2017, and is now in his second term as Mayor, where his focus has been on improving the quality of life for residents. He has led efforts which have included a new recreation center, improved access to the outdoors, enhancement of Audubon’s tree canopy, and an increased focus on sustainability.
- Lion James, Gloucester Township
- Lion is a kayak instructor and environmental educator who has combined his passion for the outdoors with his commitment to improving access to the outdoors for underserved populations. Recognizing the lack of people of color in outdoor spaces, Lion has made conservation and inclusive access to nature his life’s work, and through his work with Upstream Alliance, Lion teaches people of all ages and backgrounds about South Jersey’s waterways.
- Jacquelyn B. Lee, Winslow Township
- Jacquelyn is a lifelong advocate for civic engagement and community empowerment. Her journey of public service began at age 14 and has continued through her work as Winslow Township Deputy Mayor and Committeewoman. She has led voter education initiatives, is an active member of the Drug and Alcohol Alliance, and champions environmental responsibility, and improved senior services.
- Dan Rhoton, Camden
- As the CEO of Hopeworks, Dan has made the difference in the lives of thousands of young adults in Camden through empowering them with skills, dignity, and opportunity, and helping them to transition from poverty to sustainable careers. Under his leadership, Hopeworks has become a nationally recognized model for youth empowerment, combining training, career readiness, and trauma-informed support.
- Dr. Leslie M. Showell, Gloucester Township
- Dr. Showell is an educator who for nearly 30 years has focused on supporting early education. She founded Thoughts of Creative Learning, an educational service dedicated to K–3 literacy, phonics, and math enrichment. Her volunteer service includes monthly reading initiatives, and other community outreach efforts.
- Brian Truitt, Pennsauken
- Brian’s restaurant, The Mylestone is known for feeding the homeless, assisting the less fortunate, and never turning away a hungry person. Brian has used his business not only to create jobs and revitalize the Camden economy but also as a platform for neighborhood support, consistent food drives, and community.
The 2026 Camden County Congressional Award will also be presented at the ceremony; this year’s recipient is Cherry Hill resident Jim Peeler.
The ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, January 21 at 6 p.m. at the Collingswood Grand Ballroom 315 White Horse Pike, Collingswood, NJ 08107.
More information on this year’s recipients is available at www.camdencounty.com/2026-camden-county-mlk-freedom-medal/