ORLANDO, Fla. — When we think of heroes, our military veterans, first responders, and hospital workers might rightfully be some of the first who come to mind.

But there are others among us who are also playing a vital role in making our community a better place.

It's the woman who gives free haircuts to autistic kids. The music-store owner who kept the music alive for a student who couldn't afford his instrument. The young girl who volunteers countless hours giving a boost to the hardest-to-adopt dogs at the animal shelter. The man who ensures every kid has a crack at the bat.

They're our Everyday Heroes.

Each week, Spectrum News 13 brings you another Everyday Hero in our community. 

And each year, we bring all of the previous year's Everyday Heroes together for a luncheon, called "Salute to Everyday Heroes," where we present select heroes with awards — one of which is picked by you.

Here's where we ask you to help us pick the Viewers' Choice* award.

Our finalists:

  • James Jones: Jones, owner of Allegro Music Centre in Casselberry, started a crowdfunding page to connect students with free instruments. His act of kindness to a student whose mother could no longer afford his trumpet went viral on Reddit.
  • Seth Reece: Reece runs Buddy Ball in Altamonte Springs, which gives kids with physical or mental challenges a chance to play baseball.
  • Myra Hernandez: Inspired by her own autistic daughter, the St. Cloud hair salon owner uses special trimmers to give free haircuts to autistic children, who might otherwise avoid them because they have sensory challenges.
  • Grace Doyle-Eberhard: Grace visits Orange County Animal Services each week to give attention to the animals there, particuarly the elderly and health-burdened dogs. She then promotes them on her Facebook page, Loved By Grace.

Click on the links for each finalist, watch their segments, and vote in the poll below for the hero you think should be honored at our luncheon as the Viewers' Choice hero.

  • Voting for the Viewers' Choice award ended at 5 p.m. Friday, January 18

Other awards that will be presented at the luncheon include:

  • Young Hero of the Year
  • Public Service Hero of the Year
  • Education Hero of the Year
  • Health Advocate Hero of the Year
  • Volunteer Hero of the Year
  • Hero of the Year

And be sure to watch our weekly Everyday Hero segment, airing each Monday.

*—Spectrum News 13 reserves the right to make the final selection in Viewers' Choice voting.