CLAY COUNTY – For the first time, the Clay County Board of County Commissioners wants to spotlight a veteran or a volunteer who has made an impact through their service and the time they’ve donated. The Board voted to create a Clay County Veteran of the Year Award and a Clay County Volunteer of the Year Award; nominations are open. The deadline is the close of business on Feb. 16.

“We want to promote pride in their community, and to acknowledge the service and sacrifice of those individuals who have gone above and beyond,” Commission Chair Jim Renninger said.

“Volunteers are essential in moving us forward as a county. It’s thanks to that person picking up paper on the side of the road, or driving one of our veterans to a doctor’s appointment, or feeding one of our shelter cats, so our staff can focus resources on major projects to improve Clay County.”

The veteran award will recognize a veteran who has made significant contributions to their community through exceptional service and dedication to veterans, veteran families, and the community. To be eligible for the veteran award,

• The nominee must have received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Armed Forces, which includes the Reserves, National Guard or Merchant Marines.

• The nominee demonstrates leadership, excellence, creativity and initiative in the community.

• The nominee has made significant contributions at the local, state, and/or national levels, as demonstrated by going above and beyond the call of duty, specifically for volunteer work supporting veterans, the military and the community.

• The nominee participates in activities that help promote veterans and their families, enhancing the awareness of veterans and their sacrifice.

• The nominee’s volunteer work must have contributed to the advancement of veterans, the military, and their families in Clay County from Jan. 1-Dec. 31 of the previous year. 

Suppose you know a stand-out veteran or volunteer who matches this description. In that case, you can submit the application using the online form or download the nomination form, fill it out, and hand-deliver it or mail it to the Clay County Veterans Services Office at 420 College Dr. in Middleburg.

The volunteer award will recognize an individual who has made significant contributions to the community through their volunteer work. To be eligible,

• The nominee must be registered with Clay County on the Community and Social Services volunteer portal.

• The nominee must have completed at least 50 volunteer service hours within the county. 

• Nominations may only be made for an active or present volunteer who has completed volunteer service hours from Jan. 1-Dec. 31 of the previous year.

• The nominee’s volunteer work must have contributed to the advancement of the community.

• Nominee participates in activities that help promote community efforts for the residents of Clay County.