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Who should be our Person of the Year?

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Anyone who lives in Wantagh knows that there are so many people who work to make the community and the world a better place. Whether they volunteer their time as a leader of a community organization, coach a youth sports league, organize a charitable event or simply give their time or money to worthy causes, these people embody the giving spirit.

Next month, in our Dec. 31 issue, we will name the Wantagh Herald-Citizen’s 2015 Person of the Year. The question is: who should this person be? I would like to hear from you.

Choosing a Person of the Year is no easy task, not with all the worthy people out there. As the editor of the Herald, I get to meet so many of these great people, and tell their stories on a weekly basis. I get to report on many of the great deeds they do. It’s the highlight of my job.

But I also know that there are people out there who do good and never get any recognition for it. So many people give to their community and never seek anything in return. They do it simply for the love of helping others.

I want the Herald to honor a person who has gone above and beyond to make their world a better place. Nominations should be people who are volunteers and who have a compelling story, with significant ties to the Wantagh community.

Last year, I was thrilled to name John Theissen, founder and executive director of the Wantagh-based John Theissen Children’s Foundation, as our Person of the Year. The work he does for sick and underprivileged children is inspiring, and he has never turned down an opportunity to help a Wantagh family in need. He is also the driving force between the annual Freaky 5K race, which brings the community together every fall.

Please send me your nominations for our Person of the Year. I would love to have a lot of people to choose from. Send me the person’s name and tell me why they should be selected. You may email me at ahackmack@liherald.com, call me at (516) 569-4000 ext. 354 or send a letter to 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, N.Y. 11530. Nominations should be received by Friday, Dec. 4.

I thank you in advance for your participation, and look forward to hearing from you.