Spirit of America Award nominees

In Thursday's newspaper, we will announce this year's Southeast Missourian Spirit of America award winner.

We've been giving the award for more than a decade now, recognizing a person in the community who has exemplified the "spirit" of America, whether it be through community or military service. The newspaper donates $1,000 to a charity of the winner's choice.

We had a strong response this year, and we would like to thank everyone who nominated someone. Also in Thursday's paper, we will publish lengthier profiles of each person nominated, but for now we'd like to show some appreciation for all our nominees.

They are: Jess Bolen, longtime Capahas baseball coach; Nancy Caldwell, longtime teacher and volunteer; Eva Dunn, library director and volunteer; Tom Higgins, veteran and downtown advocate; Dr. John K. Holcomb, Navy veteran, physician and community booster; Billy Humphries, veteran, chaplain and Division of Youth Services volunteer; Mary Kasten, community leader, Caring Council founder, politician; Deloris Meyr, businesswoman, senior center volunteer, cancer survivor; Viney Mosley, volunteer, community leader, president of Cape Girardeau River Heritage Museum; Glenneta Vogelsang, VFW Ladies Auxiliary member, veterans home foundation board; Dennis Vollink, veteran, businessman, community leader, volunteer; Dr. Charles Wiles, Noon Optimist member, Boy Scouts executive board member, longtime educator; and Shirley Young, supporter of veterans, former Scott City councilwoman and mayor, community leader.

It was perhaps the most difficult choice in all the years we've been giving the award. Thank you, again, to all of our nominees for doing so much in your communities.

We will be presenting the Spirit of America award Friday as part of the Fourth of July fireworks festivities on the riverfront. The award will be presented at 8:30 p.m. We hope to see you there.