Nominations sought for 2026 King Medal of Service Award

Do you know someone who has gone above and beyond in serving their community? Nominate them today for the 2026 Jackson College Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Medal of Service Award!

Jackson College is now accepting nominations for the 2026 award, which honors individuals and organizations that dedicate time, talent, and resources to making our community a better place. This award recognizes outstanding community service and devotion to Dr. King’s ideals in Jackson County.

The Medal of Service will be presented during the Jackson College Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, in the Potter Center’s Robert Snyder Dining Commons. The evening will begin at a social time at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 6 p.m.

Nomination forms are available online at www.jccmi.edu/medal26. If you would like a printed form, please stop by the reception desk in Potter Center. The deadline for submitting nominations is Friday, Dec. 5, by 5 p.m.

Award criteria include a demonstrated commitment to carrying out Dr. King’s dream in the following areas:

• Belief in the basic tenets of cultural and ethnic diversity
• Giving back to the community through volunteerism and service
• Supporting and promoting educational opportunities for underrepresented populations in Jackson County
• Promoting financial opportunities for economically disadvantaged citizens of Jackson County
• Guiding youth and offering opportunities for social and moral development, equipping them to interact positively with the broader culture
• Working toward a safe community and reducing crime in Jackson County

Recent recipients of the award include:

• Lee Hampton (2025)
• Jeremy Patterson (2024)
• Anthony Parker (2023)
• Monica Pierce (2022)
• Benny Poole (posthumously, 2021)
• Arlene Robinson (2020)
• Harold White Jr. (2019)
• Alan Wade (2018)
• Robert L. Burton (2017)
• Bobby Thompkins (2016)