January 21, 2026
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Provided Courtesy/Camden County
Seventeen-year-old Giselle Brown is recognized for her artistic achievements during the Camden County Freedom Medal ceremony.
Eleven Camden County residents were honored Wednesday evening at the Collingswood Grand Ballroom during the 2026 Camden County Freedom Medal Ceremony for their volunteer service and lasting impact on the community.
Established by the Camden County Board of Commissioners in 2001, the awards recognize residents whose actions reflect the principles of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and who have made meaningful contributions through volunteer work. More than 1,200 county residents have received the honor since the program began 25 years ago.
Recipients of the 2026 Camden County Freedom Medal pose with 2026 Congressional Award honoree Jim Peeler during the annual ceremony in Collingswood.
“The individuals selected for this prestigious award embody the values Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stood for — service, compassion and justice,” Commissioner Jonathan Young said. “Through their dedication, they are helping make Camden County a better place for all.”
Jeanette Alvarez (Camden)
Jeanette Alvarez is a longtime community advocate passionate about helping families navigate support services and overcome barriers to stability and opportunity. Through both her advocacy and professional work, she has built meaningful partnerships with community leaders throughout Camden.
Giselle V. Brown (Cherry Hill)
At just 17 years old, Giselle Brown has already had her artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol and featured in the Lunar Codex Project, a time capsule that sent achievements of humanity to the moon. She has also donated her work to be auctioned at numerous events benefiting ovarian and breast cancer research.
Capt. Vivian Coley (Camden)
Born and raised in Camden, Coley began her law enforcement career in 1998 with the former Camden City Police Department, patrolling East Camden, the neighborhood she still calls home. Since 2020, she has served as commander of the Community Outreach Unit, leading initiatives such as Open Gym nights, bingo games and wellness checks for senior citizens, and neighborhood cleanup events.
Col. Ted Gallagher (Cherry Hill)
Gallagher entered the U.S. Army in 1968 and served in Vietnam before his honorable release from active duty in 1970. He continued his service in the Army Reserve, eventually retiring with the rank of colonel. Since then, he has dedicated himself to supporting veterans by helping them navigate benefits, coordinating resources, and strengthening outreach efforts across Camden County.
Father Vincent G. Guest (Camden)
Father Guest serves as vicar for the City of Camden and pastor of Sacred Heart Parish. His public service career began as an attorney practicing immigration, housing and child welfare law before he was ordained in 2012. He remains dedicated to fostering an inclusive parish that reflects Camden’s diversity.
Rob Jakubowski (Audubon)
A lifelong Audubon resident, Jakubowski was elected to the borough’s Board of Commissioners in 2017 and is now in his second term as mayor. His work has focused on improving quality of life for residents through projects including a new recreation center, expanded outdoor access, enhancements to the borough’s tree canopy and a growing emphasis on sustainability.
Lion James (Gloucester Township)
A kayak instructor and environmental educator, James has combined his love of the outdoors with a commitment to expanding access to nature for underserved communities. Through his work with Upstream Alliance, he teaches people of all ages about South Jersey’s waterways while advocating for conservation and inclusive outdoor spaces.
Jacquelyn B. Lee (Winslow Township)
Lee’s public service began at age 14 and has continued through her work as Winslow Township’s deputy mayor and committeewoman. She has led voter education initiatives, is active with the Drug and Alcohol Alliance, and champions environmental responsibility and improved services for seniors.
Dan Rhoton (Camden)
As CEO of Hopeworks, Rhoton has helped transform the lives of thousands of young adults in Camden by equipping them with skills, dignity and opportunity. Under his leadership, Hopeworks has become a nationally recognized model for youth empowerment, combining job training, career readiness and trauma-informed support.
Dr. Leslie M. Showell (Gloucester Township)
For nearly 30 years, Showell has focused on supporting early education. She founded Thoughts of Creative Learning, an educational service dedicated to K–3 literacy, phonics and math enrichment, and continues to volunteer through monthly reading initiatives and community outreach efforts.
Brian Truitt (Pennsauken)
Truitt’s restaurant, The Mylestone, is known for feeding the homeless and assisting those in need. He has used his business not only to create jobs and support Camden’s economy but also as a platform for food drives, neighborhood assistance and consistent community outreach.
The county also presented its 2026 Camden County Congressional Award to Cherry Hill resident Jim Peeler.
Cherry Hill resident Jim Peeler is presented with the 2026 Camden County Congressional Award in recognition of his service to the community.
