Hero is a word that gets tossed around a lot nowadays. Maybe it gets overused, but Jessamine County is — without question — filled with men and women who deserve this recognition.

We know our law enforcement officers, firefighters, military personnel, first responders and others in these dangerous lines of work fit the bill; and we want to honor them as much as possible.

But, what about the individuals who quietly go about their day, while making a huge impact on the lives around them?

Those are the “Unsung Heroes” we want to recognize this February.

We need the community’s help.

The individuals most deserving of this honor are also often the ones who most avoid the spotlight. 

Has someone you know gone above and beyond the call of duty in their professional life? Do you know someone whose love and support have helped their family and community in ways that are difficult to measure? Does a friend or neighbor always do for others while never seeking attention themselves?

The Jessamine Journal wants you to tell us about that person.

These “Unsung Heroes” will be featured in the upcoming Thrive, a special supplement of the newspaper, which will be published Feb. 22.

Please use the advertisement you can find on page A6 of this edition of the paper, additional sheets of paper if necessary or just email me directly to write a short nomination letter about why you see someone as an “Unsung Hero.”

Nominations must be submitted by Jan. 31. Please include your name, address and phone number with your nomination for verification purposes. If the nominator requests, we will protect his or her identity.

Individuals may nominate as many people as they like.

It is time their praises get sung. 

This honor will be your neighbors, your words, your heroes.

Michael Caldwell is publisher of The Jessamine Journal and Jessamine Life magazine. He can be reached at (859) 469-6452 or by email at mike.caldwell@jessaminejournal.com.