CAMBRIDGE—Who might be a Hometown Hero? The nominee could have been a neighbor who coaches Little League, or someone who helps in an emergency — anyone who goes above and beyond to help others or simply improve the quality of life in our community.

There were eight categories:

• Community — A person who has donated their time or has done something to improve the community.

• Business — An organization or group of people who have undertaken a project to help others.

• Mentor/Coach — A person who has made a dramatic impact in the life of another.

• Emergency Responder — A person who steps forward during an emergency to help.

• Faith/Spiritual — A person who makes an impact in their church or the religious community.

• Youth — A younger member of the community who has found a special way to brighten the day of others.

• Educator — A teacher, current or retired, who has found ways to inspire students beyond their own expectations.

• Lifetime achievement — A long-standing community member who has consistently and tirelessly stepped forward and exemplified a passion for giving.

A small, independent committee of community leaders reviewed the nominations and selected a superhero for each category. Those winners are featured in this special publication.

The superheroes also received an award and will be honored at a special reception tonight (February 4, 2015) at the Dorchester Center for the Arts.

The selection process was, as always, heartwarming and inspiring, and we at the Banner enjoyed learning more about a few of our outstanding citizens through your nominations. And please remember, these are only the few folks who stood out in our little contest. Dorchester County is full of unsung heroes with small, but maybe very significant stories of their own. Our goal, for all of us, is a better Dorchester County, and a great world in which we live.

Our 2015 Hometown Heroes awards are finalized and herein we proudly present our winners.

(Click on the links below to find the category winners)

Hometown Heroes/Special Section Cover

Hometown Heroes Lifetime Achievement Award

Hometown Heroes Community Volunteer Award

Hometown Heroes Youth Leader Award

Hometown Heroes Emergency Responder Award

Hometown Heroes Mentor-Coach Award/Educator Award

Hometown Heroes Faith and Spiritual Leader Award

Hometown Heroes Business Volunteer Award