EFFINGHAM, IL – October 13, 2026 – Twenty-nine individuals. Twenty-nine stories of leadership, service and the kind of involvement that continues to shape Effingham County.
The Effingham County Chamber has announced the recipients of its 2026 Top Leaders Under 40 and Future Leaders awards, recognizing nine high school students and 20 professionals who are already making an impact in their schools, workplaces and communities.
The 29 recipients will be honored Thursday, November 19, at the Top Leaders Recognition Dinner at Keller Convention Center in Effingham, where family, friends, coworkers and community members are invited to celebrate alongside them.
This year’s program drew a record-setting 54 nominations across the two recognition categories.
“A record number of nominations says a lot about the leaders we have throughout Effingham County,” said Katie Koester, President & CEO of the Effingham County Chamber. “These 29 individuals stood out among an outstanding group of nominees, not only for what they’ve accomplished, but for how they choose to contribute to their schools, workplaces and communities.”
The Future Leaders program recognizes high school students who are demonstrating leadership well before beginning their professional careers. Recipients are selected based on academic achievement, extracurricular and leadership involvement, and meaningful contributions to their schools and communities.
The 2026 Future Leaders are:
Aevery Bogdajewicz – Dieterich
Mara Braun – Effingham
Laney Doty – Beecher City
Addie Lauritzen – St. Anthony
Brant Niebrugge – Teutopolis
Frank Scheidemantel – St. Anthony
Kennedi Schultz – Altamont
Violet Turner – Teutopolis
Brady Wilson – Effingham
Top Leaders Under 40 recognizes individuals ages 20–40 who live or work in Effingham County and have demonstrated leadership through professional achievement, community involvement and significant contributions to the area.
The 2026 Top Leaders Under 40 recipients are:
Kristina Arney – Wright Choice Counseling
Kyle Boose – Law Group LTD
Zoe Bridges – CASA for Kids
Traci Bruns – Wright Family Center
Janelle Cain – Kohl’s
Kelley Grewell – Sarah Bush Lincoln
Drew Hanfland – Drew Hanfland Studio
Emily Kreke – Sarah Bush Lincoln
Mitch Meinhart – COUNTRY Financial
Ethan Miller – W.S. Broom & Co.
Jessie Palmer – Lake Land College
Samantha Probst – HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital
Jadyn Pruemer – Luminous Digital Marketing
Dr. Jonathon Serafini – Stanfield Chiropractic
Jason Smith – HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital
Ashlee Tharp – Goldie’s Baking Co.
Brooke Westjohn – J&J Gaming
Kyle Willenborg – Willenborg’s Reconditioning
Morgan Wilson – Effingham Unit #40
Madison Woelfer – J&J Gaming
The Top Leaders Recognition Dinner begins with a cocktail reception at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner and awards at 6 p.m. Tickets are $40 for adults and $20 for children.
More than an awards dinner, the evening is an opportunity for family, friends, coworkers and the community to show their support for this year’s recipients and recognize the students who are emerging as the next generation of leaders alongside the professionals helping lead Effingham County today.
The Effingham County Chamber partners with Effingham Teutopolis News Report for the Top Leaders program, with ETNR publishing the official keepsake publication highlighting this year’s recipients.
The event is presented by HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital and Lake Land College, with additional sponsorship from Siemer Milling Company and Woods Advisors. Waffordhouse Studios will serve as the official photographer for the 2026 Top Leaders program.
Additional sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses and organizations that would like to support the recognition of this year’s recipients.
For event details, tickets or sponsorship information, contact the Effingham County Chamber at 217-342-4147 or visit EffinghamCountyChamber.com/top-leaders-2026.
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About the Effingham County Chamber
Founded in 1917, the Effingham County Chamber has been a leader in supporting business growth and community progress for more than a century. Today, the Chamber continues to champion local success through advocacy, professional development, and initiatives that strengthen Effingham County’s economy. To learn more about Chamber membership, visit EffinghamCountyChamber.com or call (217) 342-4147.