Heroes. We all need them, we have them, and we've probably been one to someone.

Without heroes, we wouldn't have people to look up to, behavior to aspire to, or someone to keep our hopes alive when life gets tough.

Many heroes are unsung, for their good deeds are often done in a quiet manner.

Our definition of heroic behavior varies from person to person. For some, heroes are people who volunteer their time to helping others, or who live a life of service defending their country. A hero might be someone who has overcome obstacles, challenges and pain, who still continues to pursue their personal goals.

A hero can be a mentor to someone who needs help achieving their goals. Heroes can be mothers, fathers, teachers, pastors, brothers, sisters, film-makers, actors, athletes, famous writers and thinkers, or anyone who has changed a person's life for the better. Even our pets can be our heroes.

I have had the unique experience of meeting a group of 100 heroes. The group is called the Mayor's 100 Teens, a program that started over 10 years ago and is designed to honor and recognize some of our community's most outstanding teens. These teens are selected by a nomination committee, from a pool of hundreds of nominations. Teens cannot be nominated by a parent, but rather by a teacher, friend, or community member. They are judged based on their academics, the life obstacles they have had to overcome, and their involvement in their schools, churches, and community. This year, I have had the privilege to write the bios for the 2008 teens for a booklet which profiles every selected teen with a picture and a page telling their story.

With every story I write, I am humbled and amazed at the strength and resilience of these young adults. Some stories are harder to write than others. Some of the teens have dealt with pain and suffering as kids. Now they are leaders in their community, thriving in their studies, and accomplishing their personal goals. They are also finding time to abundantly give to others, whether it's as a mentor, a community volunteer, or helping their parents in ways that go above and beyond what would be expected from someone in their situation.

There is not enough praise to be said about these teens, and others like them living in our city. For me, they are truly heroic. It is wonderful that our city has the Mayor's 100 Teens Program and a caring staff the ensures they receive the recognition they deserve. Hopefully this program will only so more teens can be honored. It is these 100 teens, our heroes, that help keep our community bright and filled with a positive energy. They help so many of us to keep our own lights shining bright.

Be sure to keep your eyes open for events where the Mayor's 100 Teens are present, for you won't want to miss any opportunity to meet these people who will most assuredly inspire you.