Nominations are open for the Governor’s Service Awards, presented annually to recognize Colorado residents and organizations for their contributions to volunteerism and service throughout the state, Gov. John Hickenlooper’s office announced this week.

The awards have been handed out for more than 20 years by Serve Colorado, the Governor’s Commission on Community Service. This year, they will be presented at an awards ceremony on Sept. 7 at the state Capitol.

“This indomitable spirit, this drive to help our neighbor, to lift up those who have fallen down, is the spirit of Colorado,” said Lt. Gov. Donna Lynne at last year’s awards presentation. “This spirit is evidenced today in the actions of those we have come together to honor.”

Nominations for the awards are due at 5 p.m. July 18. They can be submitted using this online form or using the Service Colorado website.

This year there are 10 award categories (see the Service Colorado site for details about specific requirements for some of the awards):

Last year’s honorees were:

Outstanding Volunteer: Wendell SchulerOutstanding Veteran Volunteer: Frank PerkinsOutstanding Community Leader: Julie ReiskinOutstanding Nonprofit Organization: Community Reach CenterOutstanding AmeriCorps State/National Member: Lyndsey WilliamsOutstanding AmeriCorps VISTA Member: Grace FullmerOutstanding AmeriCorps NCCC Member: NCCC Team Sun 2Outstanding Senior Corps Volunteer: Steve AustinOutstanding AmeriCorps Alumni: Garett Brownlee PlantzOutstanding Returning Peace Corps Volunteer: Steve Werner

Contact Nellie Stagg at 303-866-2119 or via email at Nellie.Stagg@state.co.us for more information on the awards and Service Colorado.

– Ernest.Luning@coloradopolitics.com