The Jefferson Awards are presented by WBNS 10TV and the Nationwide On Your Side Volunteer Network to recognize individuals who do extraordinary things in their communities without expecting a reward.

The late Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Senator Robert Taft, Jr., of Ohio created the national Jefferson Awards in 1972 to highlight the works of unsung heroes. A network of newspapers and television stations in local communities all across the country tells positive news stories about these volunteers and motivate individual responsibility for civic and neighborhood improvement.

Here at home, the Jefferson Awards finalists serve central Ohio in a variety of ways. They volunteer at schools, community centers and service groups. They build houses through Habitat for Humanity. They deliver meals for Meals on Wheels. They provide school supplies for children who otherwise may not get those supplies.

They are "seasoned citizens" like Bob Perry, who helps seniors and veterans with legal aid. And they are our younger citizens like nine-year-old Blake Li, who raises money for kids with cancer.

People of all ages, all walks of life, all on the same mission ... to better the lives of the people around them.