Examiner.com Honors the Extraordinary People Next Door

DENVER, Dec. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Examiner.com, one of the nation's leading online publishers featuring local expertise from 85,000 contributors, today announced "America Inspired," a national contest aimed to celebrate and honor the extraordinary people across the U.S.

The competition, which runs through February 1, 2012, will solicit nominations for unique individuals from Examiner.com content, spotlighting people in communities across America who inspire others through leadership, sacrifice, and overcoming adversity.

One grand prize winner will be awarded $50,000, have their story showcased on Examiner.com and be featured in America Inspired media appearances.

America Inspired profiles of local heroes written by Examiners will be showcased here: www.Examiner.com/America-Inspired.

The Examiner.com editorial team and advisory board, comprised of respected veteran journalists, will review all story submissions and name the top 25 finalists on January 9, 2012. Public voting will then open and readers throughout the U.S. will have a chance to select the person they feel has inspired them most. One grand prize winner, along with four runners-up will be announced on February 1, 2012. Each runner up will receive a prize of $10,000.

"At Examiner.com we've had the pleasure of hearing about many interesting people throughout communities in the U.S. and wanted to show our support for those individuals who inspire us each day," said Ashish Kapur, COO, Examiner.com. "This is the first year we are launching a contest of this kind and we look forward to giving the unsung heroes in America an opportunity to receive the recognition they deserve."

Categories eligible for submission include:

• Leadership: Leaders are often symbols of hope, optimism and the quest for a brighter tomorrow. They make decisions that inspire others to either follow in their footsteps or strive to achieve a similar greatness.
• Overcoming Adversity: To overcome adversity, one must believe in their abilities, defy the odds and strive relentlessly toward their goal. It is from adversity that greatness ultimately springs.
• Sacrifice: Sacrifice requires courage and compassion. Those who display this altruistic trait have elevated others' safety and needs above their own.
• Passion: Individuals who are truly passionate are not only committed to their beliefs, ideas or talents, but are in love with the possibility of what they can achieve. They may not clearly fall into one of the other four categories but their dedication is truly inspirational to others around them. 
• Outstanding Youth: You don't have to grow up to do something incredible. An outstanding youth is someone who has not only turned the heads of their peers or community, but sets an example for all generations through their outreach and maturity.

Want to nominate someone who inspires you? Catch the attention of an Examiner by using the hashtag #AmericaInspired.

About Examiner.com

Examiner.com is an enterprise-quality publishing and community platform where independent, self-motivated contributors write on topics that matter to them and share content at scale for audiences around the world. A leading content provider with more than 17 MM unique monthly visitors, Examiner.com offers high-quality, relevant content from 85,000 contributors. The Examiner.com team and review board curates a rich content library of 2.5 MM articles, with 2,300 original pieces of content added every day. Examiner.com is a division of the Clarity Digital Group, LLC, wholly owned by The Anschutz Company, one of the largest sports and entertainment companies in the world.

SOURCE Examiner.com