The Baldini Scholarship Award
PRESENTED ANNUALLY AT THE OBAMA LEGACY DINNER
During the Obama Legacy Dinner, the McLean County Democrats honor the recipient of the John Baldini Scholarship at Illinois State University. The Baldini Scholarship is named after long-time McLean County Democratic Chair John Baldini. It is awarded to an Illinois State University student committed to civic and community engagement.
The Obama Legacy Scholarship Award
PRESENTED ANNUALLY AT THE OBAMA LEGACY DINNER
The Obama Legacy Scholarship was created in 2019 to honor Barack and Michelle Obama’s dedication to U.S. service members and community colleges. This scholarship is awarded to a Heartland Community College student who has or is serving in a military branch.
The John Penn Scholarship Award
PRESENTED ANNUALLY AT THE HONORING THE ROOSEVELTS DINNER
During the Honoring the Roosevelts Dinner, the McLean County Democrats honor the recipient of the John Penn Scholarship.
Roosevelt Award
PRESENTED ANNUALLY AT THE HONORING THE ROOSEVELTS DINNER | Purchase Tickets
Since 2003, the McLean County Democrats have honored the Roosevelts by recognizing one or more members of the local party for outstanding service to the party, defined as including one or more of the following extraordinary contributions:
- Increasing party membership and participation
- Providing servant leadership throughout committees or party initiatives
- Building party unity toward common goals
- Demonstrating core democratic values in civil discourse and problem solving
- Enhancing membership participation in party activities and work
- Supporting Democratic candidates and/or campaigns
- Providing other extraordinary and unique service to the party not defined above
Previous winners include: 2003 Laurence Yeast • 2004 Francis Irvin • 2005 Dorothy Deany • 2006 Michael Matejka • 2007 John Jordan Moore • 2008 Betty Kinser • 2010 Carol Reitan • 2011 Barb Bialeschi, Bernice Eddy, and Delores Epley • 2012 Martin Krutke and Tom Robey • 2014 John Whalen • 2015 George and Myra Gordon • 2016 Marlin Kennedy and William Franski • 2017 Ronn Morehead • 2018 Jim Larkin • 2019 Lola Augstin and Kay Moss • 2022 John Penn • 2023 Karla Chandler-Huffman
ERA Award
PRESENTED ANNUALLY AT THE HONORING THE ROOSEVELTS DINNER
The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), first proposed in 1923, is an amendment to the United States Constitution that guarantees equality of rights under the law for all persons regardless of sex. From the beginning supporters of the ERA have lobbied, marched, petitioned, and organized in the historic fight for the constitutional equality of women. In the same spirit and dedication, this award recognizes a local progressive woman who has made significant contributions to the ongoing fight for women's issues and equality.
Betty Kinser Volunteer Award
PRESENTED ANNUALLY AT THE HONORING THE ROOSEVELTS DINNER
This award celebrates the life and legacy of longtime local party member, Betty Kinser. She was an educator, political activist, and community servant who spent decades serving McLean County through her volunteer work. The award recognizes a local community member who has made significant contributions in Mclean County through volunteerism. Nominees will demonstrate the same community commitment and love for their neighbor that Betty demonstrated throughout her life.