Jasper Jaycees Celebrate Service and Leadership at Second Annual Awards

Eric Hopf was the standout honoree at the Jasper Jaycees’ second annual awards ceremony, receiving both the Jasper Jaycees Award and the Jaycees Comedian Award as the organization recognized members’ contributions during 2025. The event was held Saturday, January 10, 2026, and the program credited dinner to Oink Inc Smokehouse & Catering and cookies from Sisters Sweet Treats.

According to the Dubois County Free Press, “The Jasper Jaycees proudly hosted their second annual awards ceremony, recognizing the outstanding dedication, leadership, and community service of members throughout 2025.” The evening was led by outgoing 2025 President, Madelyn Blaize, as volunteers who have gone above and beyond in service to both the organization and the community were honored for their contributions.

The Free Press named Eric Hopf as recipient of the signature Jasper Jaycees Award and explained the honor explicitly: “Eric Hopf was the recipient of the Jasper Jaycees Award, which is presented to a longstanding volunteer whose dedication has made a lasting impact on the organization and community.” The report also noted the lighter but valued recognition: “The Jaycees Comedian Award, which recognizes the volunteer who brings humor and positivity, even on the toughest days, also went to Mr. Hopf.”

Leadership transition and membership outreach were part of the night’s program. The Dubois County Free Press records that “2026 President Mary Olsen congratulated the award recipients and invited community members interested in learning more about the Jasper Jaycees or becoming active members to reach out at jasperjaycees@outlook.com or visit jasperjaycees.org.xn--ivg That contact line and website were included in the distributed report for anyone seeking meetings, volunteer opportunities, or a full list of honorees.

The distributed Free Press copy shows repeated blocks and visible truncation marks that omit additional award names and ceremony details; the published excerpt lists a heading for “2025 Award Recipients” but names only Eric Hopf. Venue, attendance numbers, and the remainder of the recipient list were not present in the supplied article text and remain to be confirmed by the organization.

For context on Jaycees awards elsewhere, other chapters use a broad set of categories and nomination rules. The Clinton Jaycees’ banquet lists honors such as Outstanding Young Educator, Officer of the Year, Jaycee of the Year, and Project of the Year, while the Jaycees of the Quad Cities specifies awards like Young Community Leader and Young Educator, notes nominees must be under age 40 for some honors, and describes a plaque plus a $150 honorarium for winners. Those practices are examples from other chapters and are not asserted as policies of the Jasper Jaycees without confirmation.

The Jasper Jaycees stated mission was also repeated in the coverage: “The Jasper Jaycees remain committed to developing young leaders and strengthening the community through service, fundraising, and volunteerism.” For confirmation of the full 2025 recipient list, ceremony venue, or photos, contact jasperjaycees@outlook.com or visit jasperjaycees.org.