Kane County Reporter

Community members, organizations, and businesses were recognized for their contributions to Elgin at the 2025 Elgin Image Awards. The ceremony took place Tuesday evening at the Centre of Elgin.

The Elgin Image Awards program has been honoring individuals and groups since 1992 for their efforts to improve the quality of life in the city. The event is organized by the Elgin Development Group and the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce through the Enhancing Elgin Committee.

Nominees were considered in several categories: Creating a Difference, Excellence in DEI or Building Equity, Game Changer, Professional Rockstar, and Volunteer Extraordinaire.

Winners this year include Gail Borden Public Library Life Enrichment Services in the Creating a Difference category. In Excellence in DEI or Building Equity, Open Door Health Center of Illinois and Mark Thayer with the Elgin Symphony Orchestra were honored.

Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society at Elgin Community College and Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley - Art Sculpture Trail received recognition as Game Changers. The Professional Rockstar awards went to Dr. Suzanne Johnson from U-46 School District and Bill Angelo from Elgin Community College.

In the Volunteer Extraordinaire category, Michale McKay from Edward Jones Investments and community volunteer Karen Fox were recognized.

The city encourages those interested to watch a recording of the ceremony on its official YouTube or Facebook page.