Submit Your Nomination: Elkins Seeks Its 2025 “Extra Mile Heroes”

ELKINS, W.Va. — September 30, 2025 — Extra Mile Day is Saturday, November 1, and Mayor Jerry Marco is calling on Elkins residents to help identify the city’s unsung heroes by submitting nominations for the 2025 Extra Mile Hero awards. 

According to Extra Mile America, the organization coordinating this national program, Extra Mile Day promotes the idea that everyone can create positive change in their families, organizations, and communities by “going the extra mile.” Such change occurs not by pointing fingers and shouting at each other, but by “going the extra mile” in our actions. 

On Extra Mile Day, Elkins will join more than 500 cities nationwide that will recognize three individuals or organizations in their local cities and towns that exemplify volunteerism and community service. 

“Every day, quiet heroes in our community are making a difference through selfless acts of service,” said Mayor Marco. “This is our City’s chance to shine a light on them, to say ‘thank you,’ and to inspire others. I urge all residents to think about who deserves this recognition.” 

Mayor Marco is now welcoming nominations from the public. Your email or letter should include: 

• The nominee’s name (may be a person or an organization from the Elkins area) 

• Two to four sentences describing why the mayor should select this person or organization as an Extra Mile Hero. 

Last year’s Extra Mile Hero Awards here in Elkins included: 

• Dave Whittaker, who founded Warriors in the Field in 2015 as a path toward helping veterans heal by taking them to fish and hunt. 

• Bill Pingley and Marshall Howser, chefs for Lunch with Neighbors at First United Methodist Church. Together they have volunteered three days a week to prepare hot meals for people in need. 

Several Extra Mile Hero Awards from recent years are listed here. 

Please submit nominations no later than Friday, October 24; residents wishing to nominate someone for an Extra Mile Day award can send nominations by regular mail or email to: 

Mikayla Goins, Executive Secretary
401 Davis Avenue
Elkins, WV 26241
Phone: 304-636-1414, ext. 1110
mgoins@cityofelkinswv.gov