Jana & Sam Kuhnert Citizens of the Year

A Du Quoin mother and son who have championed the cause of limb different athletes around the world will be honored together as the 2015 Du Quoin Outstanding Citizens of the Year by the chamber during its annual banquet.

The announcement came from chamber secretary Richard "Doc" Holladay Tuesday afternoon following the vote by directors.

Their nomination comes from Dixie Travelstead, herself a past recipient.

They are the co-founders of NubAbility Athletics, the ability to do physically whatever you put your mind to, even if you have to attempt it a thousand times. You discover that there is no limit to your ability.

Sam was born with only one hand, but both his athleticism and leadership soared at an early age, putting together his first NubAbility camp on a college campus, then bringing it to Du Quoin in 2012. Participation has grown from 25 campers at the outset to 139 last year. Their mission has engaged an entire community and their work is having a global reach. The story that Jana, husband Todd and Sam write every day will be fully told before the banquet.

The Annual Du Quoin Chamber Banquet is on Wednesday, January 27, 2016, at 6 p.m. at the Elks Club. Ticket prices are $25 per person.