Hometown Heroes

Pictured: Decatur Hometown Heroes 2023. Get the details here.

Decatur started its Hometown Heroes program in 1996 at the close of the Hometown to the World Festival held during the Atlanta Olympic Games. The 14-day festival was a success because of the hundreds of volunteers who helped. At the close of that festival, the City Commission honored the volunteers, and since then the Hometown Heroes awards have been presented annually. With the 2023 presentations, Decatur now boasts 28 years of Hometown Heroes with 406 people having received this special recognition. Detailed information about the Hometown Heroes and their contributions to the community may be found at the links below. There is a "Wall of Heroes" in Decatur City Hall where photos and names of all the Hometown Heroes may also be found.

Now is the time to think of your favorite Decatur Hometown Hero – that person who works hard, often behind the scenes, to make our community a better place to live and work. Nominate your choice for recognition as a Hometown Hero. Nominations will be accepted until Sept. 30. You may complete the nomination form or write an essay describing your Hometown Hero and what she/he has contributed to the Decatur community.

Hometown Heroes Through the Years

Hometown Heroes have served the community in many ways, including:

• Helping neighborhoods and neighborhood associations organize and execute a variety of activities
• Supporting the schools by serving on committees, tutoring, babysitting, chaperoning and much more
• Working with less fortunate neighbors and becoming actively involved in community projects
• Serving on volunteer boards and commissions, and in local environmental and nonprofit organizations
• Volunteering hundreds of hours for festivals and events