The search is now on to find those ordinary Islanders who spend their lives doing extraordinary things.
Nominations open today across the 13 categories aimed at recognising everyone from teachers, grandparents, neighbours and children to volunteers and fundraisers, inspirational leaders, ambassadors, angels and environmentalists.
A new category has also been launched to recognise those individuals, groups or organisations working hard to promote and inspire diversity in our community.
Nominations will remain open for the next five weeks, and all individuals or groups nominated in each category will be featured in the JEP to ensure that they each receive recognition for the contributions they make.
Islanders will then be asked to vote for those they think deserve to win, with the top three from each category going on to be shortlisted. The winners will be chosen by a different panel of judges for each award, including representatives of the sponsor for that category, and announced at an award ceremony due to take place in September.
Once again, Dandara will be the event partners for the Pride of Jersey awards.
JEP editor Andy Sibcy said: ‘The JEP’s Pride of Jersey awards have a very important and clear purpose – to celebrate the remarkable achievements of Islanders who go that extra mile, and then another, and another, to help others and to bring people together.
‘They celebrate ordinary members of our great community who do extraordinarily positive things.’
He added: ‘The awards are this year celebrating their fifth anniversary. Every year, it has been inspiring, humbling and moving to read the stories of those who are nominated. From loving grandparents and great neighbours to environmental champions and charismatic ambassadors, Pride celebrates so much that is good about Jersey.
‘This year we are delighted to add a new category – Diversity and Inclusion Champion – to recognise groups and individuals who are working to create a more tolerant and accepting society. Please join us in celebrating some amazing people by nominating them for an award and then voting when the time comes.’
Last year more than 250 people were nominated and a record 27,000 public votes were cast.
Previous award ceremonies have been held in the grounds of St John’s Manor, at Aviation Beauport – after which the award winners were treated to a flight in a private jet – and at Government House, when those who won were served a special lunch in the formal dining room.
On each occasion the awards have been hosted by former Chelsea and England football legend Graeme Le Saux and Brit-nominee singer-songwriter Nerina Pallot.
The Pride of Jersey awards were launched in 2015 as part of the JEP’s 125th anniversary celebrations.
