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Who would you give a Volvo to? How about Lucy Bowles, a 73-year-old Alabama florist serving as a volunteer first-responder? Or Jill Morrison, a Wyoming woman who has devoted a decade to protecting nearby critical habitat from unnecessary development? Or Jarrett Patterson, a 14-year-old Michigan boy managing a clothing drive for needy kids in his school?

These are just a few of the top heroes nominated over the past five years for the Volvo for life Awards. You can read more about them – and hundreds of our other top heroes – by visiting the vote page of this site. Because this year, in honor of the 5th anniversary of the Awards, we’ve selected the top five heroes of the past five years from every state in America – and published all of their stories online.

And now, for the first time in history, Volvo is inviting YOU to participate as one of our Volvo for life Awards judges! Just visit the vote page and read as many stories as you like – and then cast your ballot for your favorite heroes. You can search for heroes by name or state. Your vote will determine the finalists in the 5th Anniversary Awards in the categories of Safety, Quality of Life and Environment. All finalists will receive at least $25,000 in funding from Volvo.

Our finalists will also qualify for the next round of judging, by a distinguished panel that includes Hank Aaron, Sen. Bill Bradley, Caroline Kennedy, Maya Lin, Paul Newman, Dr. Sally Ride, Val Kilmer, Eunice Kennedy Shriver and previous Grand Award Winners. They’ll choose our three winning heroes, who will all receive a total of $50,000 in funding. The panel will also decide which of these heroes will become our all-time Grand Award Winner of the past five years – and receive a Volvo for life!

Click here to vote now.