Help us identify Merced County’s best and brightest emerging leaders

We all often hear the negative news about Merced County’s “brain drain,” which sees many of the area’s talented young adults – our sons and daughters – depart for opportunities in other communities.

But we don’t often hear much about the best and brightest who stay right here and make an impact. So last year, the Sun-Star decided to do something to honor these unsung heroes. With the community’s help, we created the “20 Under 40” program and identified 20 deserving individuals from across the county. It was a rousing success.

20 Under 40 was never meant to be a one-year deal, so we’re back this year with the goal of recognizing a new crop of emerging leaders. To that end, we need your help to fill out the 20 Under 40 Class of 2018.

Do you know someone under the age of 40 who deserves to be recognized and/or encouraged as a future leader? If your answer is “yes,” consider it your noble duty to nominate as many candidates as you feel are deserving.

The rules are simple. Nominees must work or conduct business in Merced County – and must be under 40 years old as of Jan. 1, 2019.

The nomination form is paperless and is filled out online at this link: www.mercedsunstar.com/events.

The deadline is July 15. There is no cost; this is a public service by the Sun-Star.

A distinguished panel of judges will review the nominations and decide on the winners. Names of the winners will not be made public until the 20 Under 40 special section is published in the Sun-Star and in September.

The winners also will be honored at a gala event at the end of September, with a location to be determined.

So please take the time to nominate deserving candidates for this honor. They deserve to be recognized, and we all need to nurture them into the leaders of tomorrow.