DaytonDailyNews.com

In the Wright-Dunbar area, just across the Great Miami River from downtown, 116 individuals are honored as members of Dayton's Walk of Fame.

With your help, that number is about to grow.

Paula Cosby, director of community development for the Wright-Dunbar district, has announced that nominations for the 2009 Walk of Fame will be accepted until March 31.

Those who will be considered this year will include inventors, business executives, doctors, educators, athletes and humanitarians. Other nominees will be those who have contributed to the culture and quality of life in our city as writers, artists or entertainers.

Each person selected for the honor will find his community contributions summed up and shared on a granite memorial installed permanently in the sidewalk in the historic district, Cosby said.

"They will be remembered for all time," she said.

When weather permits during the school year, it is not uncommon to see groups of children being escorted along West Third Street where they stop and talk about the names they see.

Doris Ponitz, chairwoman of the Walk of Fame advisory committee, said, "This project celebrates the unique and rich legacy of creative individuals from a wide range of backgrounds. All have contributed significantly to the fabric of the Miami Valley."

A public induction ceremony for those selected this year will be Sept. 24 in the Wright-Dunbar area followed by a luncheon at Sinclair Community College.

As one of the members of the 2008 class of inductees, I can say the ceremonies surrounding this honor are impressive. Others selected last year included inventor William Goodwin, engineer Calvin Werner, business leader Louis Polk, and the historic Dayton Triangles football team.

The tribute project began in 1996 during Dayton's bicentennial celebration.

In the beginning, the large plaques honoring Walk of Fame honorees were displayed at Dayton International Airport. As the number grew, the founders of the project looked for a new home with more space.

Carillon Park and a few other sites were considered. But with the re-emergence of the Wright-Dunbar business and neighborhood area, the project found a perfect home.

Cosby said the historical village is an ideal site, pointing out that the first and most famous honorees, Wilbur and Orville Wright, did much of their work in the neighborhood. Paul Laurence Dunbar lived a few blocks away, where he wrote some of his world-famous poetry.

According to Cosby, Walk of Fame nominees may be living or deceased, but must have spent a significant amount of time in the Miami Valley.

A panel of judges will study the nominations and select the inductees. Nomination forms can be obtained from the Wright-Dunbar offices, 1105 W. Third St. For more, call (937) 443-0249.

I look forward to congratulating the newest members of the Dayton Walk of Fame in September.

Dale Huffman wants your suggestions and story ideas. He'd like to share a story about you, your family, or a friend. This column is for you. Send e-mail to dhuffman@DaytonDailyNews.com or write to Dale at 1611 S. Main St. Dayton, OH 45409. Fax: (937) 225-2489. Phone: (937) 225-2272.