You know them. They’re the unsung heroes.
They’re your family, your friends, your coworkers or your neighbors.
They give of themselves at church, in the schools, in our civic organizations and our neighborhoods. They help make Wyoming the city that it is, and the city wants to recognize their contributions with the Citizen of the Year award. To do that, they need your nominations before October 30.
“Wyoming has so many wonderful people,” said Jim Lippert, Chair of the Citizen of the Year Committee. “They’re selfless volunteers from many different walks of life. Many of them don’t even realize they’ve been nominated until I call them to tell them the good news.”
That was the case for Rich and Carol Gomez, who received the award at this past year’s ceremony. “We were both surprised and honored to be nominated as Citizens of the Year,” Rich Gomez said. “It was a humbling experience to share the stage with the other recipients.”
Each year the City of Wyoming honors several residents for their volunteer work in the community, the Cincinnati area, and the world at large. Nominees include men and women, teens and senior citizens, and even couples like the Gomezes. Once the nominations are closed, the Committee meets to read every nomination and make their selection. They consider the breadth and depth of the nominees’ activities and discuss each one deep into the night. “The choice is awfully tough sometimes,” Lippert says. Those selected receive their award at a recognition ceremony in January, but most are modest about their accomplishments.
“We certainly never consider ‘recognition’ as a motive for what we do,” Gomez said, “So to be recognized was and is flattering. We are happy to do our small part to help further the community that is an integral part of our lives.”
Who do you know that works hard for our community? Let the committee know! Nomination forms are available at the City of Wyoming website and must be submitted by October 30 to be considered for this year’s awards. In addition to the form, a letter of nomination must be included as well. Anyone may nominate a Wyoming citizen or couple for consideration. A list of past recipients can be viewed here.
