Voice of Indian Head, in partnership with the Town of Indian Head

Who makes Indian Head better?

You know the person. They notice a need, bring people together, and keep showing up. Help us recognize their service with the 2026 Community Champion of the Year Award.

Nominate a neighbor, mentor, colleague, or community builder whose care for Indian Head shows up in what they do.

Nominate a Community Champion

Nominations close November 29 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern.

Marissa Ackerman and Janee Johnson receive the 2025 Community Champion award and a $2,000 donation check with Brandon Paulin and Victor Foulk.
Our first Community Champion, Marissa Ackerman, with the award and donation supporting Indian Head Elementary. Now, help us tell the next story of service.

Nominate by November 29, 2026Submit the nomination form by 11:59 p.m. Eastern.

Celebrate on December 5, 2026The honoree will be announced immediately after the tree lighting at the Town Holiday Festival.

Recognition that gives back.

VOIH will make a $2,000 charitable donation in the honoree’s name to a qualifying local 501(c)(3) organization of their choice that serves Indian Head and its immediate surrounding communities.

Tell us their story.

Specific actions. Real people helped. A difference our community can feel. Share the examples that make this person your Community Champion.

Self-nominations are welcome. Review the award details below before submitting. Fields marked * are required.

2026 nominations close November 29 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern. This year’s deadline replaces the previous January schedule.
Whose service should our community recognize?
Tell us the name of the person you are nominating. Include their organization below, if applicable.
A valid email is required (we must contact every nominee for permission to publish)
Optional, but helpful as we attempt to connect with the nominee
Optional, but helpful if known.
(e.g., volunteer, teacher, coach, neighbor, civic leader, youth mentor)
Self-nominations are welcome. If nominating yourself, repeat your contact details here.
Optional, but might help avoid delays.
(e.g., colleague, friend, student, fellow volunteer)
Tell us what this person has done, who benefited, and what makes their contribution to Indian Head meaningful.
Please include at least 200 characters. Specific actions, people helped, and outcomes make your nomination meaningful.
Acknowledgement *
Please affirm your understanding of the following:

Before you nominate

Who can be nominated?
Any individual who lives, works, volunteers, or serves in and around Indian Head may be nominated. Nominees may be affiliated with a church, nonprofit, school, or civic organization, but the award recognizes people for their contributions, not organizations directly.
Who can submit a nomination?
Anyone. You do not need to hold a formal role or position to nominate someone. Neighbors, friends, colleagues, students, parents, pastors, and fellow volunteers are all encouraged to participate.
Can I nominate myself?

Yes. Self-nominations are welcome. Tell us about your service and its impact, using specific examples. Sharing your experience helps others see how they can contribute.

How many nominations can I submit?
You may submit more than one nomination, but each form must be completed separately.
Can a nominee receive more than one nomination?
Yes! If multiple people or organizations independently nominate the same individual (with unique nominations), it reflects positively on the impact that individual has had, and is encouraged. A copy-paste nomination campaign will be negatively viewed, however.
When do nominations close?

For the 2026 award, nominations close November 29, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern. This replaces the previously published January deadline for this cycle so the honoree can be announced on December 5 immediately after the tree lighting at the Town Holiday Festival.

I missed the deadline, can I still submit?

The 2026 nomination window closes November 29, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern. Late nominations cannot be considered for the December 5 presentation. Future nomination windows will be announced separately. For questions, contact info@voih.org.

What kind of service qualifies someone as a Community Champion?

We recognize people who serve others with integrity, empathy, and commitment; make a tangible positive difference; and inspire others through their actions. Service may be formal or informal, long-term or recent, through volunteering or a professional role. Only service benefiting Indian Head and its immediate surrounding communities is considered.

Does the nominee have to accept the nomination?

Yes.
Finalists will be asked to participate in a brief, informal conversation with VOIH prior to publication and recognition. This helps ensure accuracy and allows us to tell their story respectfully and authentically.

What happens after I submit a nomination?
Once submitted:

  1. VOIH will review the nomination for completeness.
  2. The nominee may be contacted to confirm eligibility and acceptance.
  3. A three-member selection panel will review all eligible nominations.
  4. The selected Community Champion will be notified privately before public announcement.
What is a "qualified" 501(c)3 as it pertains to the prize $?

A “qualified” 501(c)3 as it pertains to the Community Champion of the Year Award is an active non-profit organization in good standing and recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a non-profit under section 501(c)3. Voice of Indian Head was formed to serve the Town and surroundings, and by our bylaws can only donate to causes directly supporting qualified charities serving this area. For example, a local charity/church/shelter/youth organization would qualify, an international relief organization (albeit noble) or other entity without direct on-the-ground impact in the Indian Head area would not.

Does the nominee or their charity have to be in the Town of Indian Head?

Not exactly. Voice of Indian Head was formed to support the incorporated Town of Indian Head and the immediate surrounding communities (the postal code of Indian Head which extends beyond the incorporated border). The recipient doesn’t have to necessarily LIVE in that zone, but only service supporting that region will be considered. Moreover, see the answer above regarding which charities are “qualified” to receive the donation under these rules.

Who selects the Community Champion?

A three-member panel representing the Town of Indian Head, Naval Support Facility Indian Head, and Voice of Indian Head reviews eligible nominations. The process is fair, nonpartisan, and focused on service and community impact.

What does the Community Champion receive?

The honoree will be announced December 5, 2026, immediately after the tree lighting at the Town Holiday Festival, and featured on VoiceOfIndianHead.org. VOIH will make a $2,000 charitable donation in their name to a qualifying local 501(c)(3) organization of their choice serving the Indian Head community. No cash award is made to the individual.

Is this a political or faith-based award?
No. Voice of Indian Head is strictly non-partisan, and this award is civic in nature. While nominees may be affiliated with faith or civic organizations, the recognition is based on service and community impact, not belief or politics.
Is my information kept confidential?
Yes. Personal contact information is used only for nomination verification, communication, and award administration. VOIH does not sell or share personal data.
How can I get help or ask additional questions?
We’re happy to help. Email us anytime at info@voih.org.
Together, we build a better Indian Head.