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 2025:

 

• Brandon Damm, 38, Springfield IL for Humanitarian and/or voluntary leadership. Damm created the Rock and Run for Mental Health, a 5K race and vendor event with live music in 2023.  He continues to serve as volunteer director of the event which has raised over $30,000 for mental health and suicide prevention organizations since its inception.

• Marvin Merriweather Jr., 38, Springfield IL for Business, economic, and/or entrepreneurial accomplishment.  Merriweather, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Level-2 CrossFit Coach, founded Be Strong Mental Health & Therapeutic Services LLC, where he crafts personalized therapeutic plans using both traditional and holistic approaches.

• Anne E. Moseley, 38, Springfield IL for Academic leadership and/or accomplishment. Moseley is a public historian and serves as the Director of Engagement and Curator of the Sangamon Experience at the University of Illinois Springfield. She leads the creation of centralized exhibits, coordinates community-based historical programming, and develops educational partnerships.

• Jenny Shima, 40, Champaign IL for Business, economic, and/or entrepreneurial accomplishment. Shima opened The Literary, a book bar, in 2021 in downtown Champaign. In addition to selling books and hosting events, The Literary offers food, coffee, and a full-service bar.

• Tiara L. Standage, 35, Springfield IL for Humanitarian and/or volunteer leadership. Standage founded Intricate Minds, a community wellness and outreach center that serves vulnerable populations in Springfield. The organization provides harm reduction supplies, hygiene essentials, access to clothing, warm meals, a computer station for job searching, and a strong sense of community.

• Whitney Stewart, 34, Monticello IL for Personal improvement and/or accomplishment. Stewart is a firefighter with the City of Champaign Fire Department and has earned the rank of Engineer. She also co-founded Camp Fury Illinois, a Girl Scouts-sponsored camp that introduces young women to careers as first responders.

 

The Illinois Jaycees recognized  this year’s honorees at an awards banquet on October 4, 2025 at the Embassy Suites in East Peoria, Illinois. The event is generously supported by friends and employers of our award winners, local and regional Jaycee organizations, Illinois Jaycees Charitable Foundation, Illinois JCI Senate and Illinois businesses. We would like to thank this year's banquet sponsor, INB, a privately held national bank.