The Southeast Missourian is accepting nominations for its annual Spirit of America Award.

Started in 2003, the award is an effort to spotlight those who have demonstrated a patriotic commitment to service, whether through the military or community involvement.

Civic organizations are encouraged to submit nominations. The nominating organization of the award recipient will receive $1,000. Individuals also are welcome to nominate a candidate. If nominated by an individual, the winner will select a charitable organization to receive the cash prize. Nominees from past years who have not received the award may be nominated again.

"The Southeast Missourian strives to be a community-minded newspaper," said Bob Miller, Southeast Missourian editor. "It's not just about reporting the news here, but recognizing individual and collective efforts. We like to celebrate successes, from publishing positive happenings such as honor rolls, business accolades, charity efforts and so much more. The Spirit of America Award is an extension of that. It's great that we can recognize an individual every year who has meant so much to his or her community."

The deadline for nominations is June 13. The nominees will be announced in the newspaper July 2, and the award recipient will be recognized July 4.

The 2012 recipient was Kent Zickfield, a Missouri National Guard veteran, small-business owner and community leader. Zickfield was nominated by Old Town Cape.

Other past recipients include John "Doc" Yallaly, Dr. Dan Cotner, Melvin Gateley, Neal Edwards, James Harnes Sr., Jane Randol Jackson, Harry Rediger, Rob Callahan and David Hitt.

Nominations may be submitted online at semissourian.com/forms/spirit. Forms also will run periodically in the print edition of the newspaper.

Award nominations may be mailed to Southeast Missourian, c/o assistant managing editor Lucas Presson, P.O. Box 699, Cape Girardeau, MO 63702.

Pertinent address:

301 Broadway, Cape Girardeau, Mo.