It would be difficult to convince me there is a better way to get to know a community than by meeting its “unsung heroes.”

That is exactly what I spent the past week doing, first by reading the more than three dozen nomination letters written by citizens about their friends and neighbors.

These are people who took the time to put words to paper and shared a little insight into what makes these individuals so special.

Then I had the pleasure to go out and meet most of them to take a photograph for our Feb. 25 Progress edition of The Winchester Sun, a once-a-year project that will showcase these men and women as well as more than 20 stories under the theme “Storied Past, Bright Future.”

I am going to let the suspense build and will not reveal who we will honor in three weeks, but I’m confident to say we will feature some amazing Clark Countians. The best part is we recognize them in the words of their peers.

People are what makes a place and a community special.

Real estate agents might tell you everything is about location, location, location. But the human spirit of a city is what truly stands out. Everything else is just geography.

And I think Winchester and Clark County shines when it comes to its people.

Several times over the past week I’ve heard “Oh my. I don’t deserve this. I don’t do much” or “So and so deserves something like this far more than I do.”

And that selflessness and compassion for others is exactly why they are being honored as The Winchester Sun’s Unsung Heroes in the first place.

We are proud to recognize these citizens and give them some of the recognition they deserve.

Make sure you pick up a copy of the Sun on Feb. 25 to help celebrate these heroes.

These individuals — and so many more — are working behind the scenes to make our communities thrive. We appreciate our citizens for helping us find them and give the honor and recognition they deserve.

The most deserving individuals often receive the least credit. We are proud to say “thank you” to our Unsung Heroes.

Michael Caldwell is publisher of The Winchester Sun and Winchester Living magazine. He can be reached at (859) 759-0095 or by email at mike.caldwell@winchestersun.com.