“Our Town, Our Heroes” Winners

History lauds them. Statues commemorate them. Countries celebrate them. Performers sing about them. And you probably know some. HEROES.

We are celebrating the local heroes who inspire you and drive positive change in your communities. Through the Our Town, Our Heroes program, we will feature a new Illinois hometown hero every two weeks through December here on DrivingtheMidwest.com.

The Driving the Midwest team will be accepting nominations year-round for local heroes. Every two weeks, we will select finalists and showcase them on our site. Then YOU will choose the winner by voting for your favorite hero and helping share his or her story! The winning hero – and the nominator (this means you!) – will have a chance to win a one-week loan of a Chevrolet, Buick, GMC or Cadillac vehicle and a full tank of gas, not to mention a few other surprises.

Click a picture to learn more about each hero!




Ashley Coleman




Doc Erickson






Scott Johnson






Jesse Torres





Phil Carmody





Maria Milik





Cathy Rehr






Amy DeRosa from Lombard, nominated by Ryan DeRosa

Amy DeRosa






Lisa Stamos






Rochelle Crump






Donald Pannier






Laura Lutarewych

Laura Lutarewych





Mark Biery




Mike Curtis




Carrie Gowans




Dr. Sheldon Rubin




Dawn Hancock





Estrella Rosenberg





Jennifer VanHoutan