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To pitch a ‘My Turn’ guest column, email jdalessio@news-gazette.com . To subscribe, click here. To submit a letter to the editor, click here. Want to purchase today’s print edition? Here’s a map of single-copy locations. Sign up for our daily newsletter here ‘Tis the season for best-of, worst-of and other assorted year-end honors, including our annual callout for Person of the Year nominees. Picking up where we left off in Tuesday’s Town Hall section, here’s the case 10 other community members made for their choices. Emily Van Duyn EMILY VAN DUYN, associate professor of communication, University of Illinois “Yet again, this year’s presidential election featured high voter turnout and a contentious political atmosphere. It was also a difficult one for the sanctity of voting as conspiracies of voter fraud called into question the legitimacy of the voting process and as threats of violence against polling locations across the country aimed to depress voter turnout. “Yet POLL WORKERS — average citizens from both sides of the aisle volunteering their time — showed up to handle the equally mundane but important task of counting us all. “As we enter into a new presidential administration in the coming year that will bring its fair share of fear and uncertainty, the presence and perseverance of poll workers in this year’s election despite partisan efforts to dissuade them, reminds me that democracy isn’t dictated by the people at the top, it’s both created and continued by all of us.” Jeffrey and Lauren Brokish LAUREN BROKISH, owner, Central Illinois Bakehouse, Martinelli’s Market, Pekara Bistro and Prairie Fruits Farm and Creamery “ LISA MICELE has been a steady and compassionate guide for students and families in our community for years. As the college counselor at Uni High and Academy High, she brings not only her expertise but also a genuine warmth that makes such a difference during what can be a stressful time for students. “My daughter, who is graduating this year, has been so fortunate to have Lisa by her side, offering guidance and encouragement every step of the way. She truly cares about each student and goes out of her way to support them, making the college process feel manageable and even exciting. Lisa Micele “What makes Lisa even more special is how deeply she connects with people. When my husband Jeffrey walked into her office, over 20 years after she had been his counselor, she remembered him instantly. That kind of care and attention is just who Lisa is — someone who leaves a lasting impact on everyone she meets. ”Her kindness, wisdom and dedication to helping students and their families are incredible, and she has touched so many lives in our community. Lisa is truly one of a kind, and we’re so lucky to have her.” Alejandra Aguero ALEJANDRA AGUERO, Champaign-based government administrator, Illinois Department of Employment Security “Every single day that I’ve had a meal this year, my thoughts lingered not just on the taste of asparagus, per se, but on the hands that brought it to my plate. The hands of the AGRICULTURAL WORKERS OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY . “This wasn’t an easy year for anyone, and the challenges faced by those who work the land often go unseen. From the unpredictable weather patterns that threatened crops to the long hours under the relentless summer sun, these individuals faced a daily grind that demands both physical strength and unwavering dedication. They are the backbone of our local food system, the unsung heroes who ensure we have access to fresh, healthy produce. “I think of the early mornings they spend in the fields, the dew still clinging to the rows of vegetables. I imagine the careful hands that harvest each tomato, ensuring it’s perfectly ripe and ready for market. I picture the backbreaking work of tending to fields of lettuce and spinach, the foundation of countless summer salads. Every crisp leaf, every juicy bite, is a testament to their labor. “This spring, summer and fall, I strolled through farmers’ markets, admiring the vibrant colors and enticing aromas and considered the journey each piece of produce, herb and flower had taken. It’s a journey that begins with the tireless efforts of agricultural workers, who plant, nurture and harvest the food that nourishes our community. “I’ve made a conscious effort to appreciate the hard work that goes into every meal. Every time I enjoy a salad bursting with fresh greens, a roasted poblano pepper or those first precious spears of asparagus, I’m reminded of the dedication and resilience of the agricultural workers in Champaign County. They are the true stewards of our land, the providers of our sustenance and the embodiment of selfless service. “Therefore, I wholeheartedly nominate the agricultural workers of Champaign County for recognition for their selfless work in 2024. Their tireless efforts, often performed under challenging conditions, provide us with the essential sustenance that nourishes our bodies and connects us to the land. They deserve our deepest gratitude and recognition for their vital contributions to our community. ”They are the reason we can enjoy tasty meals that bring friends and family members together, allowing us to enjoy cultural holidays and other celebrations that involve fresh produce from the farm to the kitchen or grill and finally to the table. My utmost admiration and respect goes out to the farm worker.” Mia Hernandez MIA HERNANDEZ, attorney, Webber & Thies “My choice is University of Illinois Chancellor ROBERT J. JONES . Chancellor Jones is a trailblazer and, under his leadership over the past eight-plus years, UIUC has launched numerous notable advances including, but not limited to, establishment of: “Carle Illinois College of Medicine: First engineering-based medical school in the world. “Illinois Commitment: Free tuition program for any Illinois resident whose family income is below $75,000. “Largest philanthropic campaign in UIUC’s history: $2.7 billion, including two of the largest private gifts ever received. UI Chancellor Robert Jones interacts with students. “The creation of the Siebel School of Computing and Data Science and Siebel Center for Design. “Recently, it was publicly announced that Chancellor Jones would step down as UIUC chancellor at the end of the current academic year. Chancellor Jones’ leadership has been invaluable to UIUC and the community at large. It is my hope that his successor will positively build upon his momentum and legacy.” Stu and Susan Meacham STU MEACHAM, chief operating officer, Cozad Asset Management “Given the time of the year, my thoughts aren’t directed to anyone of ‘significance to the world.’ In fact, I don’t expect many will even know the person I’m about to describe. “But first, I must say at this stage of my life, my thoughts are more focused on the next generation who will lead, and hopefully, love people into becoming all that they were intended to be. So this year I happened to meet a young African American, GABE CARTER , a former high school shot putter from Indiana and recent college graduate who has made quite an impression in the short time I’ve known him. “In August he started in a resident’s program at church, where he is provided lodging and a monthly stipend while he receives a holistic education as he considers a life in ministry. Gabe relates to everyone — from every tribe and nation. He drives high school graduates being trained up in the trades to and from work. He hosts breakfast at his home for a gap-year discipleship group of high school graduate students taking a year off before heading to college. “Wherever he is, there are always people around him, looking up to him. In just living in our town for one-third of the year, two college graduates have already asked Gabe to baptize them. “Gabe’s servant-leadership embodied by his boldness, gentleness, reliability, self-control and maturity beyond his years are something to behold — and remindful of how each one of us should see everyone as a child of God.” Kathryn Williams KATHRYN WILLIAMS, director, OLLI at Illinois “My vote is not a single individual but all the LOCAL MUSICIANS who keep live music readily available in this area. “Whether performing at festivals, in bars, at Krannert, in the streets, in parks, or simply playing music together with friends at the mall, in back yards or around a piano, local musicians make this great community a very special and joyful place to live and are most worthy of recognition and celebration.” Peggy Prichard DANA SCHAUMBURG, community relations coordinator, Eastern Illinois Foodbank “I would vote for PEGGY FRASCA PRICHARD . Peggy is a dedicated community leader, who recently retired but continues to devote time to important causes in the Champaign-Urbana area. “She positively has impacted others through her work with Braver Angels, a group that allows conservatives and liberals to get past the destructive stereotypes so we can have civil conversations about real issues that lead to productive problem-solving. Dana Schaumburg “She also volunteers through other community organizations and recently became a member of the Rotary Club of Champaign, where she can expand her involvement in the community. “I consider her a mentor and a friend, and her ability to work with many different groups focused on providing positive outcomes is an inspiration to me.” Alexei Navalny SARAH ZEHR GANTZ, UI senior assistant vice president for academic initiatives and policies “I would vote for ALEXEI NAVALNY . It takes a lot of courage to stand up for what you believe in when you live in a place where you risk your health, your safety and your life by doing so. Unfortunately, Navalny lost all three, but it did not stop him. Sarah Zehr Gantz “I remember thinking that after he was poisoned in 2020 that he would probably have to continue his campaign from afar. But he returned, knowing fully that he would likely be arrested and suffer in retaliation for his actions. I am pretty sure I would not be brave enough to go back. “Despite his suffering and the tragic loss of his life, he did manage to communicate his message loudly and clearly to the world. That is an example of a true leader.” Angi Franklin DAN DITCHFIELD, executive agent and owner, Horace Mann Dan Ditchfield “I’d like to nominate ANGI FRANKLIN , assistant superintendent of human resources for the Urbana school district. She’s an awesome person, and pours everything she has into the employees and children of the district. We are very lucky to have her in our community.” Tami Adams MEGAN WOLF, senior director of development, UI College of LAS “ TAMI ADAMS would be my choice. As executive director of Campus Middle School for Girls, she has created a community of strong, independent young women that provides an accelerated curriculum in a nurturing environment. “Because of Tami’s leadership, CMS is a place where girls’ strengths are celebrated and amplified, and their challenges are met with compassion and support. Megan Wolf “In addition to her role as executive director, Tami is a skilled teacher who develops enthusiasm for math among her students. Tami’s dedication to her teachers and students is felt throughout the school and woven into the fabric of CMS. ”She is known by her students to be thoughtful and caring, and she challenges students to be the best version of themselves.”