Sponsors

Capital City Event Planning
Hickory Point Bank
Roland Machinery Co
BUNN
HSHS Saint Johns Hospital
Sangamon County
Bank of Springfield
HyVee
Selvaggio Steel
City of Springfield
INB
92.3 FM Sports Radio
Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln
LRS
Springfield Clinic
Eck Shafer and Punke LLP
Memorial Health
Springfield Pepsi-Cola
FMC
Troxell
Hanson
Primo Designs
Pendulum PR
Troxell Financial
Henson Robinson Company
YMCA

HISTORY

The First Citizen program, established in 1963 by Springfield's Copley-owned newspapers, was created to honor individuals whose service has significantly contributed to the betterment of the Springfield area. Each year, a citizen board selects a winner from public nominations, recognizing outstanding community impact. 

See the list of past winners

NOMINATION PROCESS

All nominations received by the deadline are reviewed by the First Citizen Board and distributed to a seven-member selection committee chosen by the board. Committee members rotate each year to give new perspective to the process. The nomination committee reviews the nominees and selects a First Citizen Award winner for the year.

The First Citizen Award Winner will be announced at the scheduled award reception.

Nominees not chosen will automatically be added to the selection process for the next year.

Nomination Form

Nominations for the 2024 First Citizen Award must be received by October 15, 2024.

If received after this date, the nomination will be retained and considered for the 2025 award.

The award is based on the nominee’s contributions made outside of paid positions. Additional letters of support detailing the nominees’ contributions are encouraged. If your nominee is not selected as this year’s First Citizen, it will automatically be carried over for the next five years without the need for resubmission

Nominator's Information

Nominee's Information