CAMBRIDGE — For more than a century, the Dorchester Banner’s mission has been to educate and celebrate the Heart of Chesapeake Country, and to fulfill that mission, we have published countless stories about the people who make this community what it is. But we know there are more stories out there — people who haven’t received the recognition they may deserve. You’ve heard about these people before, they’re what we call our “Hometown Heroes.”

For 2022, please help us praise these unsung heroes. The nominee could be anyone who goes above and beyond to help others or overcome obstacles — someone who helps in an emergency, a neighbor who organizes a benefit for a family having financial troubles, or a particularly good teacher or community advocate. Anyone who creates a bright spot in our community.

Once again, we are asking the local community to help us recognize our hometown heroes. To honor such people, we need you to submit the names of those who have shined brightly with their heroic actions especially during these difficult times.

Last year’s winners were Mike Bramble, Amy J. Craig, Lynn Darby, Todd Eberspacher, Dr. Eugene Newmier, Sheriff James W. Phillips Jr., Mike Rossy, Brandon Stacey, Stephen Stack, Lynn Stavdal, Traci and Mark Tull, Jason Warfield and Larry White.

Jessica Cook, events manager for the Dorchester Banner, is leading the recognition effort.

“Last year we recognized our Hometown Heroes during our inaugural Stars of the Banner Celebration event. Because that in-person event proved to be so popular, we have decided again to honor this year’s Heroes with a special presentation at the Stars of the Banner event scheduled for Thursday, May 19, at the Dorchester County Visitor Center at Sailwinds Park,” she said.

Here’s how to nominate your Hometown Hero: email your nominee’s name, phone number, email and city, along with why you think they should be nominated, to either Mvalania@iniusa.org or Banner@iniusa.org. Please include your name and phone number.

The deadline for nominations is Saturday, March 12.

The Hometown Heroes will be recognized in the Stars of the Banner publication available in the Dorchester Banner on Wednesday, May 11.  Award presentations will be made at the Stars of the Banner celebration on Thursday, May 19.

“Everyone at last year’s celebration loved listening to live music on the banks of the Choptank River, so we are doing it again this year,” added Ms. Cook. Watch for more event details at DelmarvaEvents.net.