WINTON – Are you aware of an individual worthy of recognition for their efforts to improve the quality of life in Hertford County?

If so, that person may be eligible to receive an award from Hertford County local government.

At their most recent meeting, the Hertford County Board of Commissioners approved the criteria required to be met in nominating an individual for the Hertford County Citizenship Award.

The board had previously discussed the idea of recognizing local citizens that have made a significant impact in the community in which they live or work. Nominees are required to be a resident of the county and their applicable volunteer or service activities must have taken place in Hertford County.

As part of the criteria, the awards should only be presented to nominees that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the community through service and volunteerism in six categories. They include Community Service, Education, Emergency Preparedness and Public Safety, National Service, Service to Youth or Senior Citizens, and Business and Corporate Engagement.

Those nominated must have 15 years of service within those categories. Current employees of the county, and current elected officials are not eligible to be nominated. Deceased county residents cannot be nominated.

“We need to recognize these citizens for the contributions they have made and the commitment they have made to make our county a better place to live and work,” said Commission Chairman Ronald Gatling.

The work by the commissioners to this point has included a nomination form. That information will include the name of the nominee, their address/telephone number/email address, and a brief written description of the reason they are worthy of the award. The form needs to bear the signature and contact information of the person making the nomination.

“This is a great way to honor our citizens, those that have done great things in our county,” said Commissioner Curtis Freeman who put a motion on the floor to accept the nomination criteria.

That motion was approved without objection.

The Commissioners noted that the next step in the process was to appoint a committee to study the nominations and suggest an annual winner or winners.

As discussed by the board, that committee will consist of seven individuals – four serving two-year terms and three with one-year terms. Of the seven appointees, one will be a member of the county’s Board of Commissioners (to serve a two-year term). It was noted that no member of the committee can serve consecutive terms, but may be eligible for reappointment after a two-year period.

The committee will review all nominations for the year and make recommendations to the Commissioners of the most deserving recipients.

Nominations will be open from Aug. 1 through Sept. 21 annually. The awards will be presented in December, or at a time deemed appropriate by the Commissioners following the Sept. 21 deadline.

Gatling said he hoped to have recommendations for membership on the Nomination Committee by the board’s next scheduled meeting on Feb. 1.