Seeking Alabamian of the Year: Wanted — Your nominations
by The Anniston Star Editorial Board
Nov 27, 2009 | 948 views |  0 comments | 9 9 recommendations | email to a friend | print
Is it Nick Saban? What about Alabama native and famed biologist E.O. Wilson? Or Wikipedia co-founder Jimmy Wales?

Maybe one of these is best qualified to be the 2009 Alabamian of the Year.

Maybe it's someone else.

Regardless, the editorial board of The Anniston Star is looking for your nominations as we head toward the end of the year.

What are the rules, you ask?

The Alabamian of the Year must be alive. He or she doesn't have to be an Alabama native, but a qualified candidate must have lived in the state at one time.

While deeds done in 2009 will be in full view, no person's life can be reduced to a single year. In other words, our AOY's lifetime achievements will be considered.

Our definition for AOY is, "An Alabamian (or Alabamians) who made a significant mark on events over the past year; someone who lived up to the state creed's dictate 'to foster her advancement within the statehood of the world.' "

The 2008 recipient was Albert Brewer, the former Alabama governor and stalwart advocate for fundamental reform in state government. He set the bar high for our inaugural Alabamian of the Year.

The challenge before you, dear reader, is to send us your nominations for the 2009 AOY, along with a brief explanation of your candidate's qualifications. A note of caution: Nominations are merely that; this is not a popularity contest where the person with the most nominations wins.

Please include your name, city and contact information; we won't publish anything more than your name and city of residence with your nomination.

Send them to:

Fax: (256) 241-1991.

Mail: Box 189, Anniston, AL 36202.

E-mail: speakout@annistonstar.com.