HOME IS WHERE THE HEROES ARE

Committee selects 2018 Unsung Heroes

Heroism represents the best of human nature no matter the perceived severity of a situation or need. Acts of kindness and courage are born from reaction and action. Such deeds, however, can often go unnoticed by those not personally affected.

There are caring, unselfish souls in our midst who quietly and consistently go out on a limb to make a difference in others’ lives — regardless of whether their efforts are recognized by those not affected. Often, these people shy away from the limelight, preferring to see the results of their deeds rather than seeking adulation. For the 17th year, The Taos News honors a group of local citizens for making notable contributions to the community.

It takes a committee to choose Unsung Heroes. Since the second year of Tradiciones in 2001, The Taos News has called upon community members to nominate people who quietly make a difference. Citizen(s) of the Year and Unsung Heroes continue to be the silent pillars of Taos, oftentimes little known but not taken for granted.

The 2018 selection committee included Ernestine Córdova, Stella Mares-mcginnis, Marilyn Farrow, Barb Wiard, David Mapes, Elizabeth Crittenden-palacios, Larry Martinez, Mike Trujillo, Yale Jones, Pavel Lukes, Joseph Quintana and Mary Ellen Ferguson.

Overseers of the process included Taos News publisher Chris Baker, managing editor Staci Matlock, advertising director Chris Wood and me, special sections editor Scott Gerdes. None of us were involved in the selection process during the focus group confab. However, the paper’s management staff did make the final selection for Citizen(s) of the Year from a list of nominees presented by the committee.

The Taos News staff sincerely thanks the 2018 Tradiciones Selection Committee for their time and energy in making this annual series possible — and for bringing so many deserving people to light.