After trying two methods to rank SAMMI nominees and winners, the 2014 SAMMI Awards will be a compromise of the two approaches.

For 2014 a scoring system will be used to select up to the top five nominees in each category. These awardees will have their inspirational stories told in depth through a multimedia presentation at the ceremony on March 21, 2014.

As in the past, community volunteers will be trained to interview all of the nominees and apply the scoring system based on the SAMMI values: Sense of community, high ethical values, inspiration, and leadership. All of the qualified nominees will have their stories told on the SAMMI web page, and will be offered the opportunity to have an informational booth about their nonprofit or activities at the ceremony reception.

Other changes include a new executive director for the SAMMIs, Cynthia Baumert. She joined the organization after years in event marketing at Microsoft followed by several years as an art docent at Echo Glen along with concurrent activity as a PTSA board member.

Baumert is also a 2013 SAMMI Awardee.

The SAMMI organization also has five new board members: Larry Crandall, Mayten Gross, Heidi Whittington, Jane Hitchcock, and Gail Stacy Michelman. Each of the new board members brings their own unique set of skills and perspectives, along with a shared passion for the mission of the SAMMIs to celebrate and promote community involvement.

Nominations are open. Please visit www.sammiawards.org and nominate that inspirational person in your life.