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A trio of local organizations want to recognize local community heroes. Know someone worth highlighting? Nominate them for the Warrior Hall of Fame, Optimist of the Year, or WSP Pride’s Community Advocate.
“Recognizing exceptional local leaders and volunteers shows our community’s appreciation for their service,” said Dakota County Commissioner Joe Atkins, who nominated the 2022 Optimist of the Year Robert Hansen. “As importantly, it often inspires others to step up, too, making West St. Paul an even stronger community than it already is.”
Warrior Hall of Fame
- Who: ISD 197
- Why: To honor “former Warriors who have distinguished themselves in the area of athletics, activities, the fine arts, academics, and service while at Henry Sibley/Two Rivers High School and beyond in their post-high school experiences.” The hall of fame is open to alumni, staff, and community contributors.
- How: You can nominate individuals for the Warrior Hall of Fame online.
- Last year’s winners: Ann Bancroft, Helen Fisk, Tom Gustafson, and Dean Verdoes.
- Deadline: May 1
New hall of fame members will be announced each June and recognized with an induction ceremony in the fall. Learn more.
Optimist of the Year
- Who: The Optimist Club of West St. Paul
- Why: They want to recognize “someone dedicated to helping local youth succeed.”
- How: To nominate someone, send your contact info and the nominee’s name, their accomplishments or other examples of how this person has made a difference in the lives of children in the West St. Paul area to Cheryl Bergstrom. Nominees must live, work, volunteer, or attend school in the West St. Paul area.
- Last year’s winner: Moreland principal Mark Quinn.
- Deadline: May 10
The winner will be announced in May and invited to ride in the Explore West St. Paul Days parade.
Community Advocate
- Who: WSP Pride
- Why: They want to acknowledge LGBTQ+ advocacy work done by people in West St. Paul.
- How: Fill out the online form to nominate someone and explain why they should be honored. Nominees should have close ties to West St. Paul and have demonstrated a commitment to the LGBTQ+ community.
- Last year’s winner: Heritage choir director Nicholas Hager.
- Deadline: June 15
The winner will be recognized at WSP Pride on July 13.
Who to Nominate?
With multiple opportunities, how do you decide who to nominate?
“With all of the activities and events I participate in in West St. Paul, I am fortunate to work with great volunteers and leaders all the time,” said Atkins. “West St. Paul is filled with amazing individuals who go the extra mile to build community and help others.”
So look around and nominate your neighbors!
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