A ceremony on Wednesday will honor 11 residents who have earned Camden County’s 2026 Freedom Medals.
Established by the county commissioners in 2001, the award honors residents who demonstrate ideals and actions that reflect the principles of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and have made tangible contributions to their communities. Their accomplishments are based strictly on volunteer work.
Since the honor began 25 years ago, more than 1,200 county residents have received it.
“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 winners are:
- – Jeanette Alvarez of Camden, a long-time community advocate who is passionate about helping families navigate support services and overcome barriers to stability and opportunity.
- – Giselle V. Brown of Cherry Hill, an artist who at just 17, has had her work displayed in the U.S. Capitol and in the Lunar Codex Project, a time capsule that sent achievements of humanity to the moon. Giselle has donated her artwork for auction at events to benefit ovarian and breast cancer research.
- – Capt. Vivian Coley of Camden, a city native who began her law-enforcement career there in 1998 as an officer in East Camden, the neighborhood she still calls home. Since 2020, Coley has served as the commander of the Community Outreach Unit, where she has spearheaded several community initiatives.
- – Col. Ted Gallagher of Cherry Hill is a tireless advocate for the Veterans of Camden County and beyond. He entered the Army in 1968 and served with distinction in Vietnam. Gallagher ultimately retired from the Army Reserves at his current rank and has since supported veterans through benefits processes, coordinated community resources and local outreach.
- – Father Vincent G. Guest is Camden’s vicar and the pastor of Sacred Heart Parish. His public service career began as an attorney, practicing immigration, housing and child welfare law. He was ordained in 2012 and is dedicated to fostering an inclusive parish that reflects Camden’s rich diversity.
- – Rob Jakubowski is a life-long Audubon resident who was elected to that town’s board of commissioners in 2017 and is now in his second term as mayor. Jakubowski’s focus has been on improving the quality of life for residents with efforts that include a new recreation center and an increased focus on sustainability.
- – Lion James of Gloucester Township is a kayak instructor and environmental educator who has combined his passion for the outdoors with his commitment to improving access to it for underserved populations. Recognizing the lack of people of color in outdoor spaces, James has made conservation and inclusive access to nature his life’s work.
- – Jacquelyn B. Lee of Winslow Township is a life-long advocate of civic engagement and community empowerment. Her journey of public service began at age 14 and has continued through her work as Winslow’s deputy mayor and as a committeewoman. She champions environmental responsibility and improved senior services.
- – Dan Rhoton of Camden is CEO of Hopeworks, where he has made a difference in the lives of thousands of young adults in the city by empowering them with skills, dignity and opportunity and helping them transition from poverty to sustainable careers.
- – Dr. Leslie M. Showell of Gloucester Township 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.
- – Brian Truitt of Pennsauken, whose restaurant, The Mylestone, feeds the homeless, assists the less fortunate and never turns away a hungry person. Truitt has created jobs and revitalized the Camden economy as a platform for neighborhood support.
The 2026 Camden County Congressional Award will also be presented at the Freedom Awards ceremony at the Collingswood Grand Ballroom at 6 p.m. This year’s recipient is Cherry Hill resident Jim Peeler.
