Stashed in some box tucked into the back corner of a closet somewhere is a trophy I picked up as part of our sixth grade all-star baseball team for conquering a difficult field at the Minden tournament.
Or maybe it was the prestigious Biggsville tournament.
I can’t really remember, just that I know the gleaming token did not come from our encounter with Bushnell. Those kids — sixth graders like us — spit tobacco juice during the game and probably should’ve shaved before.
Believe me, they were a frightening squad.
It’s possible other trophies and medals are piled into that same box. And if someone of my modest stature accumulated a shelf or two of honors, imagine the wall of an accomplished athlete or sharp debater or standout musician. And that’s just for school.
Those who make it to the big time vie for Oscars and Emmys, Tonys and People’s Choice awards, gold gloves and Cy Youngs, Country Doctor of the Year, Stoner of the Year, Lifetime Menace Award, Rotten Sneaker Contest …
OK, I veered into the ignoble territory. But there are honors at stake for the worst in just about any category imaginable, as well.
It hardly seems possible, but somehow we manufacture enough trophies and cut enough ribbons to cover all the awards offered in a given year.
Yet when you consider the well known trophies, you quickly realize they tend to celebrate accomplishments that — let’s be honest — matter very little in the course of life. I mean, Hollywood did not need hand Clint Eastwood a golden statuette before I recognized him as a great actor.
Yeah, some of you might disagree. But I stand by “The Outlaw Josey Wales.”
The Lake County Chamber of Commerce operates an award contest of much greater importance. The annual Stars of Lake County pays tribute to people who spend their spare time volunteering for local organizations or raising funds to distribute to residents in need. They honor humanitarians, advocates for Lake County youth, non-profits helping solve county problems, young people giving back to the community, those advancing agriculture and small business, those spreading spirit, generosity or just good, solid ideas.
It’s a long list.
This year it may not be that easy to narrow things down to one single local hero of the year — another of the categories. Over the past couple of months we’ve read of individuals rushing into fire in order to rescue someone trapped by the flames, of people setting up impromptu shelters — over and over — or shutting down their restaurants to cook for those forced to evacuate their homes suddenly. There are people who trek through charred woods in search of lost pets and veterinarians volunteering long hours at animal hospitals. How about people who donated without hesitation? Or anonymous individuals purchasing meals for fire crews?
And how about the firefighters?
No, it won’t be easy to select just one Lake County hero, at least this year. But it will certainly be an easy task nominating heroes for the award. So many people, so many churches, so many organizations stepped up. So many gave of themselves.
I encourage everyone to find a nomination form (call the chamber), fill it out and send it in. Unlike the MTV Music Awards or the Golden Globes or the Minden Baseball Tournament or any trophies in between, the Stars of Lake County matter.
