Nominations sought for Mount Prospect awards

Do you know someone who volunteers for a mentor program?

Or a business that provided literacy programs to residents?

If so, nominate them for Mount Prospect's Shining Star Awards. Winners will be honored at the 16th Annual Celestial Celebration on Saturday, Feb. 7.

You can submit nominations through the village's Web site at mountprospect.org; click on the "shining star awards" link.

The Special Events Commission's selection committee will review the nominations to determine the winners, who will be publicly revealed on awards night at Bristol Courts Banquets, 828 E. Rand Road. Almost 600 people attended the gala last year. Cost is $40 per person.

Last year, the party had a 1950s theme, which meant meatloaf and mashed potatoes for dinner. The commission isn't ready to announce this year's theme yet, but it will be more formal, said Chairman Tom Zander.

The nomination deadline is Nov. 17. Members of the commission and elected officials aren't eligible.

Awards categories include:

• Beautify Mount Prospect: Group or individual who has made a special effort to enhance the physical character of the village.

• Best Business Partner: Business that has gone out of its way to be a good corporate citizen.

• Champion of Youth Award: Person, organization or program that, as part of the job or its professional responsibilities, enriches the lives of young people.

• Youth Should Be Served: Person, who through volunteer or part-time work, champions the causes of youth.

• Horizons for Youth: Person or organization that has worked with young people primarily and has exposed them to some kind of learning experience that expands their horizons regarding an important issue.

• Good-Better-Best Neighbor: Resident who has gone out of his or her way to be a good neighbor.

• Hometown: Person or group who has done something special to promote the feeling of community or to further unify the diverse groups in the community.

• Living Legend: Person who has achieved near legendary status through his or her standing in the community.

• Open Arms: Person or organization that has readily opened its arms and its heart to the needy, lonely or less fortunate.

• Rising Star: A junior high or high school student who goes beyond what is expected.

• Unsung Hero: Person with a thankless, but necessary job who is good at what he or she does.

• There Ought To Be More People Like This: Person or couple who is virtually indispensable in the life of a group or organization.

• Toast of the Town: Person, group or organization that has contributed significantly to the cultural life of the community.

• The World is a Better Place: Person who is a friend to all.