CHESTER, IL – The Randolph Society Foundation has begun the nomination process for its annual awards to honor outstanding historical citizens of Randolph County and their achievements.
“Randolph Society Foundation is seeking to honor the prominent men and women who contributed to Randolph County by living extraordinary lives. Through their deeds and notoriety, they have added to the reputation of Randolph County being one of the “Great Counties in Illinois,” said Dr. Marc Kiehna, founding member of the Randolph Society Foundation. “We encourage everyone that knows of a person of special merit to submit their nomination to the Randolph Society Foundation for consideration.”
Nominations may be made by accessing the society website www.randolphsociety.org or contacting Dr. Marc Kiehna, Randolph Society Chairman by mail at the Randolph County Courthouse, #1 Taylor Street, Chester, IL 62233 or by email at mkiehna@randolphcountyil.gov. Nominations should include a name, picture, and a narrative highlighting why the individual is worthy of being honored.
The nominations are open to everyone and will be accepted through October 30, 2026. Nominees must have passed away at least 5 years ago to be considered. The Foundation Board will review the applicants and select up to 5 nominees. The awards will be announced in March of 2024 with a special reception to be held soon after.
The honorees will have a plaque that tells their story of significant contribution displayed on a prominent wall in the Randolph County Courthouse. The plaques will hang in the designated area of the Courthouse on permanent display and be available to the public for viewing during normal County business hours. The Randolph Society members are highlighted on a special website www.randolphsociety.org. In-depth stories of the honorees are included with video footage when available.
The Randolph Society Foundation is sponsored by the Randolph County Historical Society, The Liberty Bell of the West Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Rotary Clubs of Chester, Sparta, and Steeleville. Officers and members of the Randolph Society Board include Dr. Marc Kiehna, Chairman, Justin Jeffers, Treasurer, Lori Hill, Secretary, Emily Lyons, Charles Ratz, Dr. Lauren Kiehna, Gwendy Garner, Melanie Johnson, and Mike Reed. The Society is now a 501c3 Foundation and tax-deductible donations are being accepted. Donations can be mailed to Justin Jeffers, Treasurer of the Randolph Society Foundation at the Randolph County Courthouse, #1 Taylor Street, Chester, IL 62233. The vision of the Randolph Society is: Remembering Our Past, Educating Our Future.