Each year, people in the community have an opportunity to submit a nomination for Rock Island residents who have made selfless contributions of service to the community. Rock Island High School dean Andy Campbell was chosen for the category of Education, RIHS coach Thurgood Marshall was chosen for the category of Individual, and RIHS student Riley Jones was chosen for the category of Youth. On September 27, they were honored at the city council meeting. Here’s what their nominations said… Thurgood Brooks  Born and raised in Rock Island, Thurgood Brooks is a passionate and dedicated... Read More

BREAKING NEWS: The inspiring unveiling of a new mural on an empty building in downtown Rock Island Thursday not only adds vibrant new color, beauty and life to a little-noticed alleyway, it represents the dreams and sorrows of a talented teenager, the dreams and sorrows of an entire race, and the hopes and dreams for a further revitalization of a city’s center. Dozens of local leaders, business people, artists and residents gathered along 20th Street downtown to celebrate the gorgeous mural inspired by a Rock Island High School student’s award-winning artwork, which also served as the official... Read More

The unveiling of a new mural in Downtown Rock Island, inspired by a Rock Island High School student’s award-winning artwork, will serve as the official kickoff to this year’s Alternating Currents festival Aug. 19-22 in the Quad-Cities. What: Ceremony unveiling the mural by young artist Riley Jones, a Rocky junior. When: 3:45-4:45 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 19  Where: Alleyway at 313 20th St., Rock Island Hosted by: Quad Cities Chamber & Quad City Arts as part of Alternating Currents  Created by 16-year-old Riley Jones in collaboration with professional muralists Dana Harrison (Limone)... Read More

Congratulations to RIHS student Riley Jones, whose piece “Black Pride” was selected as the winner for the Congressional Art Competition! Riley’s artwork will be on display in the U.S. Capitol! Congresswoman Cheri Bustos announced the winner and runners-up of the 2021 Congressional Art Competition in Illinois’ 17th Congressional District. The public got to vote for their favorite submission. The first-place winner this year is Riley Jones from Rock Island High School, whose submission “Black Pride” will be displayed in the United States Capitol! The Congressional Art Competition... Read More