SEQUIM — Looking to reward a community hero?

The Sequim-Dungeness Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for the organization’s 2019 Citizen of the Year award, the area’s top civic honor lauding a Sequim resident or residents based on their history of outstanding volunteer service to the community.

Nominees must be residents of eastern Clallam County within the Sequim School District area to be considered. Nominations can be made by completing an application with two required letters of endorsement.

The nominees are those who have “performed outstanding service to the community, and service rendered by such nominees shall be above, beyond, and generally outside the regular occupation of the nominee,” chamber representatives said in a press release this week.

Two persons working jointly in a community project or projects may be nominated to receive a joint award.

To nominate someone for the award, visit sequimchamber.com/citizen-of-the-year.

The nomination process closes on the last business day of January.

Finalists and recipients are chosen by a panel of past award winners.

“We always receive many wonderful nominations, and the selection process is a difficult one, given the large number of citizens who give so much of themselves every year,” chamber executive director Anji Scalf said.

Finalists are recognized and a winner is announced at the chamber’s special luncheon set for 11:30 a.m. Feb. 25, at the Legends Room at The Cedars at Dungeness golf course, 1965 Woodcock Road.

Luncheon RSVP is required by noon Feb. 21, via the chamber website or by email to office@sequim chamber.com.

The cost is $30 for lunch and $10 to attend only for chamber members while it is $35 for lunch and $15 to attend only for non-members.

Sound Publishing and the Sequim School District are sponsoring the awards luncheon.

Clare Manis Hatler and Don Hatler won the 2018 Citizen of the Year award.