The DeKalb CEO says these are the community’s ‘heroes.’ Know any?

DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis honored 25 “heroes” Tuesday night.

He hosted his fifth CEO’s Community Hero Awards at the DeKalb History Center.

“Thank you for the time you take away from your other responsibilities in life to volunteer with organizations in DeKalb County,” Ellis said, according to a news release. “Thank you for your work to improve the quality of life for our citizens. And most importantly, thank you for the gift of service that you have unselfishly given to our county.”

The awards recognize individuals and organizations “making a significant impact” in DeKalb County.

Here are the winners:

Community Champion Award: 

• Alice White–Bussey, County Line/Ellenwood Community
• John Evans, Operation Lead
• Marcia Glenn Hunter, DeKalb for Seniors Inc.
• Ronnie Mayer, Ashford Park Civic Association
• Gilbert "Gil" Turman, South DeKalb Neighborhood Coalition
• Verdaillia Turner, Georgia Federation of Teachers
• Honey Van De Kreke, Tucker City Council District-1, Post-1
• Orrin Hudson, Be Someone Inc.
• Kevin Chapman, Jr., Wesley Chapel Curb Appeal Task Force
• Connie Jee, Asian American Resource Center

Environmental Change Award:

• Linda Cotten Taylor, Friends of Chapel Hill Park
• John Miller II, CIP Citizen Advisory Committee
• Tom Smith, Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve

Youth Volunteer Award:

• Justin LeGrand, Boy Scout Troop 106, sponsored by Greenforest Community Baptist Church
• Marcus Jerome Johnson Jr., Boy Scout Troop 1996 at Fairfield Baptist Church
• Gillum Owen, DeKalb County Youth Commission

Neighborhood Empowerment Award: