Class of 2023

The Outstanding Young Persons of Illinois Awards program (TOYP) recognizes individuals between the ages of 18 and 40 who exemplify the best attributes of young people from across Illinois. These young people come from many backgrounds and each excels in their chosen field, endeavors and show a great commitment to their respective communities. 

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The Illinois Jaycees is proud to announce The Outstanding Young Persons of Illinois for 2023:

• Dr. Jacquie Cobb, 35, St. Charles, IL for Business, economic, and/or entrepreneurial accomplishment. Dr. Cobb is a veterinarian and is owner of Cobb & Co Veterinary Clinic and also serves as president of Second City Rescue.

• Becca Deomes, 30, Centralia, IL for Business, economic, and/or entrepreneurial accomplishment. Deomes is owner and operator of Hair by Becca. She also serves on board of directors for Business & Professional Women of Centralia and involved in other local organizations.

• Yves Doumen,34, Springfield, IL for Moral and/or environmental leadership. Doumen is founder and manager of Motherland Community Project with a mission to teach urban agriculture and basic life skills, community beautification, and good nutrition to disadvantaged and at-risk youth and their families as well as empower them to become productive, self-sufficient citizens. He also founded Afro House, an organization that helps negate stigmas about African people and gives its members a sense of community and opportunity.

• Tiffani Jackson, 25, Springfield, IL for Cultural Achievement. Jackson is founder and CEO of Onyx Connect Media, a publication to dispel negative stereotypes and highlight positivity within the Black diaspora. She is also a Culture, Diversity, & Inclusion Reporter at The State Journal-Register.

• Daniel R. Janowski, 36, Okawville, IL for Political, legal, and/or governmental affairs. Janowski is the Washington County State’s Attorney responsible for the prosecution of all felony, misdemeanor, and traffic cases as well as the juvenile abuse and neglect cases in Washington County. In addition, he represents the Washington County Board and all county officeholders in civil courts.  He is also active in many community organizations.

• Jocelyn Piper, 38, Chatham, IL for Contribution to children, world peace, and/or human rights. Piper is an author and advocate for international adoption and parents caring for children with special needs.

• Jason P. Rector, 38, Champaign, IL for Business, economic, and/or entrepreneurial accomplishment and Humanitarian and/or voluntary leadership. Rector is Lieutenant in the City of Champaign Fire Department and serves as President of Champaign Firefighters Local 126.  In addition, he is owner of the Rector Property Management and Rector Construction.  He is co-founder of Champaign Firefighters Benevolent Funds and is active in many community organizations.

• Trent Ross, 32, Alhambra, IL for Personal improvement and/or accomplishment. Ross is a decorated Canine Police Officer in the Collinsville Police Department, a member of the department’s Honor Guard and participates in the department’s Youth Academy, Cadet Program, and Citizen. He also is an active volunteer with Special Olympics. 

• Kevin Sullivan, 31, Palatine, IL for Humanitarian and/or voluntary leadership.  Sullivan is a Disability Rights Activist & Motivational Speaker.

• Aimee Zurliene, 34, New Baden, IL for Business, economic and/or entrepreneurial accomplishment. She is owner of Z’s Bees Honey and Director of the Village of New Baden’s Farmer’s market which has grown exponentially in its first two seasons and become a community asset.  She has expanded her family’s honey business as well as organized other community events

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The Illinois Jaycees recognized this year’s honorees at an awards banquet held on May 6th, 2023 at the Embassy Suites in East Peoria, Illinois.