More often than not, you never learn their names. Not all heroes wear capes, and we believe an overwhelming majority of the real heroes in our lives clad themselves in nothing more grand than cloaks of anonymity.

That's why we're announcing a chance for each of you to once again tell us about someone who qualifies as a "Herald Hero" in your eyes.

(Keep reading. In addition to some well-deserved recognition, there's money involved.)

First, we'll note that real heroes take on many shapes and sizes, and they're usually a far cry from the perfectly sculpted action figures we grew up watching in the movies. Instead, in our eyes, our true heroes are many of the ordinary people we see doing extraordinary things every day.

In 2023, it was Al Siekert, who for years has run "Al & Friends Sunday Breakfast," aimed at feeding the needy. Our other four finalists were Margy Mayfield and her team of pediatric nurses at Coastal Kids Home Care, Tom Newton, the principal of Monterey High, Marge Brigadier, a volunteer with Bay Net, a network of volunteers who serve as stewards of the Monterey Bay Sanctuary, and Chris Shake, the local restauranter who is well known for his volunteer work in the community.

Our county is filled with heroes such as these, and in many other arenas too numerous to mention. So this year, that fabulous five of 2023 won't be eligible. We're asking for your assistance in helping us identify a few more who deserve the Hero honor.

Here's how: Just send an email to [email protected] and tell us in 200 words or less who you'd like to nominate, and why.

We'll convene a panel to review the entries and announce five finalists and write stories on each, highlighting their heroic acts.

From there, we'll choose one as the winner, honoring that person as our "Herald Hero."

The overall winner will receive a $500 cash prize.

How you choose your hero, and what criteria you want to establish for your hero, is entirely up to you. You can send us an email about anyone you see as someone who does great things for other people, or animals, or the environment, or anything you consider hero-worthy. We'll give equal consideration to heroes who perform their extraordinary feats behind the scenes, and those who are paid to do it.

Nominations are due by noon March 3.

From there, our panel of judges will pick five finalists, who we'll honor in a series of stories, after which we'll announce the winner.

The everyday heroics of people doing great things behind the scenes have always been a big part of what makes Monterey County such a special place to live. We're looking forward to receiving your nominations and sharing their stories.