Newspaper looking for 'Spirit' candidates

Southeast Missourian

To honor individuals who have shown patriotism through the service of their country, the Southeast Missourian is seeking nominations for its fourth annual Spirit of America Award.

The Southeast Missourian invites area civic organizations to nominate individuals for the award. The organization that nominates the Spirit of America winner will receive $1,000 to be used toward a charitable activity.

"It's the local heroes working and volunteering in our communities, by their efforts of many years making America a better place," said Jon Rust, Southeast Missourian publisher and co-president.

The Spirit of America Award recipient will be presented with a trophy July 4 at Cape Girardeau's Libertyfest, sponsored by Old Town Cape.

Last year's winner was civic leader Melvin Gateley. The contest began in 2003, when the first winner of the Spirit of America award was John "Doc" Yallaly. Dr. Dan Cotner won the award in 2004.

"Look at the past several years of award winners and you see a pantheon of individuals who are truly great Americans. It is one of the highest honors in the community," Rust said.

A special Spirit of America edition will be published in the newspaper July 1 to announce the finalists for this year's award.

Nomination forms for the Spirit of America Award will be printed periodically in the newspaper.

Award nominations can be mailed to: Southeast Missourian, c/o managing editor Sam Blackwell, P.O. Box 699, Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63702, or sent by e-mail to sblackwell@semissourian.com. The deadline for nominations is June 17.