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If you’ve come to this page before looking at the front page, then you perhaps missed our story regarding the city’s call out for Pillar of the City nominations.

This year’s current count of nominations ahead of the 5 p.m., Dec. 31 deadline, has been lower than years past and the city is hoping to get a final surge leading up to the end of the year.

We all know that Austin and the community is filled with people both present and past who have served their community in extraordinary ways. The city website for the Pillars lists a number of categories for these people to fit in ranging from economic to scientific contributions.

Started by Mayor Tom Stiehm in 2016, the Pillars program at its core seeks to recognize those people who have taken an active role and built the solid foundations that allow Austin to be what it is today: a successful business, artistic and diverse community that feels the benefits of many voices coming together as one.

The Pillars of the City is also important because it acts as a goal for others either growing up in our community or moving into our city that there is a place to add their own contributions.

In the grand scheme of things, only a few will be considered and even fewer will be picked by the committee to be added to the pillars lining Main Street North above Mill Pond. And while we view those enshrined as worthy, they are simply the most visible examples of what people with a will can achieve.

The pillars are a public display, but they also serves as a guide. Maybe most of us don’t get a bronze plaque, but we can look at these individuals and know that we can do our part to help our community.

Volunteer at a food bank, donate time to a community initiative, establish a cause that’s dear to your heart and helps others.

Be your own pillar and aspire for more in a community that always benefits from fresh ideas and fresh hands.

We invite you to take a stroll past pillars of years past and think of who in your life has reached these types of lofty achievements and consider if they are worthy. Visit https://www.ci.austin.mn.us/boards-commissions/dedicated-pillars to learn more about Pillars of the City and download your nomination form.