Get in your entry for Naperville's Citizen of the Year

Naperville American Legion Post 43 began naming a Citizen of the Year in 1986. Six years ago the program was expanded to consider naming a Citizen of the Year in up to three categories - Service to the Community, Service to Youth, and Service to Veterans.

They are again asking for community assistance to identify deserving candidates in each category.

Nominees must be Naperville residents; and their service must have been performed in a volunteer capacity, rather than as part of compensated employment.

Anyone may nominate a candidate by sending a letter or email that includes a comprehensive description of the services the nominee performed, the time frame, duration, and significance of the service to others, and the category they are being nominated for, along with the name and contact information for the nominee and the person offering the nomination.

Letters from others endorsing the nominee are encouraged.

Naperville is blessed with people who serve their fellow citizens. Typically, the judges have a very difficult task.

Comprehensive information, such as attachments and endorsements, are of great help to them in selecting the winners. The entries may be mailed to American Legion Post 43, Citizen of the Year, P.O. Box 4, Naperville, IL 60566 or emailed to vahlej@comcast.net to arrive by Wednesday, March 18.

Winners will be announced in the local media and honored at the Legion's Awards and Recognition Banquet on Saturday, April 18.

So, fire up your keyboard; sharpen your pencil; and make sure the selection committee knows about your candidate.

For details on recent Citizens of the Years and their contributions, contact Jim Vahle at (630) 864-7183 or vahlej@comcast.net.