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Congratulations to Linda Schielke,
The 2025 Citizen of the Year!
The Batavia Chamber of Commerce is proud to name Linda Schielke as the 2025 Citizen of the Year, recognizing her decades of service, leadership, and deep commitment to the Batavia community.
Chamber President & CEO Margaret Perreault praised Linda’s influence, noting that “her heart for Batavia is unmatched” and that her impact reaches every corner of the community.
Linda’s Batavia journey began in 1979 as a sixth-grade teacher at Louise White School. Before that, she built a distinguished education career that included serving as an elementary principal, curriculum director, and assistant superintendent prior to her retirement in 2011.
One of Linda’s most beloved contributions is the founding of the Batavia Community Band in 2013. What began as a simple idea—adding live music to community events—has grown into a group of up to 85 musicians performing at Batavia’s major celebrations throughout the year.
Linda played a vital role in Batavia’s Flag Day Centennial and the creation of the Dr. Bernard Cigrand Flag Day Monument as part of the Fox Valley Patriotic Organization. She also contributes to the Fourth of July Fireworks Committee, helping raise the funds needed for Batavia’s annual show.
An active member of the Batavia Women’s Club and P.E.O. Chapter EA, Linda supports scholarships and programs that uplift young women. She also serves on the Board of Trustees of the Lincoln Academy of Illinois, which honors distinguished leaders and outstanding college seniors across the state.
Humble and grateful, Linda calls this recognition “the holiday gift of a lifetime.”
Her designation as Citizen of the Year honors a lifetime of service and celebrates the profound, enduring impact she has made on the Batavia community. Read the full press release here.
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