Each year the village of Mount Prospect recognizes individuals and organizations that contribute to making Mount Prospect a better community. The Special Events Commission is now accepting nominations for the 2010 Shining Star Awards. The deadline for nominations is Thursday, Nov. 19.

Award categories and nomination forms are available on the Web site, mountprospect.org.

A Shining Star is a person or group that has made a significant difference in the lives of others due to their unwavering commitment to a cause or simply to lift the burden from someone less fortunate. In most cases, a Shining Star avoids the limelight because what they do is not about them, but about serving others.

"We encourage people to nominate their neighbors, teachers, coaches, co-workers, fellow volunteers - anyone who you think makes a difference in the community, we want to hear about them," said Tom Zander, Chairperson of the Special Events Commission.

The awards will be presented at Celestial Celebration XVII -- the annual village gala, scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 6, at Bristol Court. Everyone is invited for an evening of dining, dancing and recognition of a new group of Shining Stars. Information on reservations will be available in December. For more information, visit mountprospect.org.