Each year since 1992 The DAILY LEADER has honored a Citizen ofthe Year in its annual Focus edition. Its 18th year will be nodifferent and we’re seeking potential honorees.

The Citizen of the Year and Unsung Heroes are chosen fromrecommendations from the community each year. A committee at thenewspaper goes over each nomination and narrows the field to achosen few. The person suggesting an individual is always keptanonymous.

Typically, those who are nominated possess qualities that goover and beyond the call of just being a good friend, neighbor orcitizen. Almost all of the honorees recommended show a selflessnessin giving back to Brookhaven and Lincoln County.

Last year, the city of Brookhaven and its residents, both pastand present, were chosen as Citizen of the Year in honor of thetown’s 150 years of existence.

When speaking of its citizens, Brookhaven Mayor Bob Massengillsaid “When they go off, they’re proud to tell people where theylive.”

That pretty much sums up the way most of the Citizens of theYear feel about Brookhaven and Lincoln County.

The very first honoree, was the Rev. Jerry Durr. He has sincebeen honored in other ways many times over for his work with theBrookhaven Outreach Ministries.

A few of the Unsung Heroes chosen in 1992 include SimoneGreenlee, Josie R. Hightower, Mary Lou Brister, Bobby Hobson, BradyLaird, Francis M. Oberschmidt, Mary Elizabeth Blue, R.J. Thornhill,Melton Morris and Donis Foote.

And while some of the above names are well known in thecommunity, others are not, which is what makes nominating an UnsungHero special.

Nominations will still be sought for both the 2009 Focus Citizenof the Year and Unsung Heroes until Friday, March 13. Forms arepublished periodically in The DAILY LEADER to assist with thenomination process.