“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

Lisa Stamos

Rochelle Crump

Donald Pannier

Laura Lutarewych

Mark Biery

Mike Curtis

Carrie Gowans

Dr. Sheldon Rubin

Dawn Hancock

Estrella Rosenberg

Jennifer VanHoutan