North Webster’s Jerry Rhodes has been selected as a 2012 winner of the AARP Indiana Community Leadership Award. It recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to their local communities through their volunteerism and service.

Rhodes’ years of dedication to the North Webster Community Center and Senior Primelife Enrichment Center secured him the award.

“It really is quite an honor. I was kept in the dark when the materials for nomination were assembled, but my wife, Julia, knew about it. We are hoping that a state AARP representative will be able to come here to present the award as we are unable to attend the Oct. 23 event in Indianapolis. AARP has been invited to the SPEC Thanksgiving Dinner and I hope someone can attend.”

One of the founders of SPEC, Rhodes has been an invaluable board member and president of the organization as well as participant with his wife in its activities. Rhodes has been a board member of the North Webster Community Center for four years as well.

A lifelong resident of North Webster, Rhodes graduated from North Webster High School in 1953 where he played basketball. He was an inaugural selection for the Kosciusko County High School Basketball Hall of Fame in 2010 and serves on its board of directors.

He was honored as North Webster Citizen of the Year for 2009 by the North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce.

During his working career, Rhodes was office manager, credit manager and purchasing manager for M.C. Wheeler & Sons, Columbia City, where he was employed for more than 35 years. He is the proud father of four, grandfather of 10 and great-grandfather of four.