February 18, 2026
Service, dedication and community spirit were front and center as the Palatine Park District gathered to honor its 2025 Volunteers of the Year at a special recognition luncheon celebrating those who give their time to make local programs thrive.
Volunteers representing affiliate groups, associated organizations and district programs were recognized for their service to Palatine Park District participants throughout the 2025 calendar year. The annual event celebrated both individual achievements and the collective impact volunteers have across the community.
2025 Volunteers of the Year:
Lisa Stienstra, Palatine Community Baseball and Softball
Shelby Menely, Palatine Tiger Sharks Swimming
Randy Thrasher, Palatine Township Senior Citizens Council
Art Rush, Palatine Hills Golf Association
Michael Lorsch, Partners for Our Communities
Anji Larson, Palatine Historical Society
Nick Jordan, Palatine Amateur Football Association
Kevin Wright, Music on Stage
Eric Schmidt, Palatine Celtic Soccer Club
Linda O’Connor, Palatine Picklers’ Pickleball Club
Mike Calwas, Parks – Native Area Management
Margaret Luba, Cultural Arts – Quilting
Patrick Mogge, Athletics – Youth Basketball
Each honoree represents the spirit of volunteerism that fuels the district’s programs, from youth athletics and cultural arts, to active adult services and environmental stewardship.
The luncheon also celebrated Honor Roll Inductee Dave Barnett, Palatine Community Baseball & Softball. Over the past decade, Barnett’s leadership and commitment have made a lasting impact on youth sports in the community. Honor Roll inductees are selected based on longevity, leadership, and impact.
Adding perspective to the celebration was guest speaker Terry Ruff, former Palatine Park District Commissioner and longtime volunteer. Ruff shared reflections from his own journey of service, which began in 1992 coaching his daughter’s youth soccer team and grew into years of leadership with the Palatine Celtic Soccer Club. He later served three terms on the Palatine Park District Board.
“You are all the best of the best!” Ruff told fellow volunteers.
Ruff spoke about the importance of giving back, noting the balance many volunteers juggle between busy schedules and community service.
“It can be difficult to find time to volunteer when you have a busy schedule,” Ruff said. “But that is the thing about volunteering. Everyone gives what they can and that’s all anyone can ask of you. Volunteering is about giving back. If we are all takers, eventually there is nothing to take.”
Ruff encouraged residents to explore volunteer opportunities through the district, whether offering a few hours at a special event or committing to ongoing involvement.
As the celebration concluded, one message resonated clearly: the strength of the Palatine Park District community is built not just on programs and facilities, but on the people who step forward to serve.
And in 2025, those volunteers truly are the best of the best!
