It’s our chance to focus on the positive.It seems that good news becomes newsworthy only if there is no bad news to report. For example, in 1927, the tradition of selecting a Man of the Year began when Time magazine editors contemplated what to feature on their front page, when at year’s end, nothing dreadful was going on in the world. As a result, Charles Lindbergh, the famous aviator and former Maui resident, was chosen as Time’s first Man of the Year following his historic trans-Atlantic flight.
Since then, many were awarded their “15 minutes of fame.”
The Maui Weekly makes a special effort to focus on the positive in special features in every issue throughout the year. And since 2004, it has been our tradition to honor the good people of Maui in our end-of-year issue—not because it’s “a slow news day,” but because there are so many outstanding people on our island and we are honored to honor them.
These people may be in the business of saving lives, improving lives or improving our community—directly or indirectly. He or she may have a strong belief in justice and humanitarian service—or in just being a great citizen. He or she may be a humble role model, a community leader, a volunteer—someone who embodies philanthropy in its truest form and serves the public interest at any level. They may be people who give but don’t expect anything in return... and usually receive nothing, but whose motives and actions are something we can all learn from and aspire to.
In the last issue of 2008, Maui Weekly will feature its annual stories about Maui’s people, hui and unsung heroes of the year, and would like our readers to participate in their selection.
Person of the Year nominations should focus on the one person on Maui who has made an important contribution to our island community.
Unsung Hero nominees may not be well known by the general public because they are people who contribute behind the scenes, working tirelessly, without recognition, making a positive impact on our community.
Hui of the Year nominations should include those nonprofit organizations whose mission and accomplishments are vital to our community.
If you recognize these attributes in someone or some group you know—an outstanding citizen, an unsung hero, or a hui of heroes, now is your chance to focus on the positive and share their story with Maui Weekly readers.
Email your nominations by Monday, Dec. 8, to editor@mauiweekly.com and type “Person of Year,” “Hui of the Year” or “Unsung Hero of the Year” in the subject line. It is crucial that those submitting nominations also send a high-resolution photo of the nominee or nominees by Dec. 8.
Share some good news at the end of 2008, and celebrate these special people for what they contribute to Maui. Nominate them. Honor them. Help them to inspire others.
Even though they may not go looking for a big pat on the back, that doesn’t mean they don’t deserve one.