We applaud the citizenship committee of District 241 for making a very wise choice for this year’s Citizen of the Year, Nancy VanderWaerdt.

A committee of fifth-graders chose the winner from several nominees based on positive attitude, responsibility, respect and helpfulness. It’s a good lesson for the students on what citizenship actually is.

There are few people who have done as much for the community as VanderWaerdt has. She’s stepped into many areas of the community where she’s been needed: her church, the school district, the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce, Albert Lea Lions Club, the Albert Lea Business and Professional Women and more.

In other words, she does much more than her job.

VanderWaerdt didn’t get where she is today by simply going to work each day. She got there by assessing what she could do to help better the community in which she lives &045; and then doing it. And along the way, she’s pretty nice to people.

We believe not only the citizenship committee, but the community as a whole can learn a lot from this year’s choice as Citizen of the Year.