Throughout the Pittsburgh Pirates 126-year history, there have been many champions - on and off the field. Players like Willie Stargell and Roberto Clemente thrilled Pirates fans with their baseball achievements. They also supported their communities in many ways by showing character and integrity in all aspects of their lives.

As part of our 2012 Heritage Weekend Celebration, the Pirates are accepting nominations for the "Pittsburgh Pirates Community Champion Award," to be presented to six (6) area individuals who are "champions" of their communities and have positively contributed to the betterment of the diverse community in our region.

The six winners from 2011 were:

• Terri Blanchette - Senator John Heinz History Center
• Jon Hart - 14th Ward Baseball League
• Catherine Hughes - Family Behavioral Resources
• Matthew Onega - Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council (GPLC)
• Rebecca Rickard - Pittsburgh Public Theater
• Megan Rooney - La Escuelita Arcoiris

We will recognize the 2012 winner during our annual Heritage Weekend Celebration (June 8) in a special pregame, on-field ceremony. It is our goal to publicly celebrate their accomplishments and community contributions, while encouraging all Pirates' fans in attendance to become a champion in their community as well.

An independent panel of judges comprised of community leaders, civic leaders, Pirates employees, and members of the academic community will select the recipients of the 2012 Community Champion Awards from the nominations received by the deadline of May 25, 2012.

This is a way for all of us to honor our fellow citizens whose hard work, unrestricted time and boundless talents make our community - especially for our youth - a better place to live. Nominations are open to the public and self-nominations are encouraged. If you would like to nominate someone, please download, print out and complete the form below, and submit it by May 25, 2012.