The Ceres Chamber of Commerce has announced the nominations for the 57th annual Community Service Awards to be presented at the banquet set for Friday evening, Jan. 23.

Held at the Ceres Community Center, the Community Service Awards & Installation Dinner is the Chamber’s premier business event, highlighted by the recognition of outstanding members in the community who have made extraordinary contributions in service. It also serves as the installation of the Chamber’s board members.

The classification of awards and their respective nominees are as follows:

• Distinguished Service – Jeff Benziger, editor of the Ceres Courier for 38 years and author of “Images of America: California Series, Ceres”; and Felipe and Yesenia Martinez of MFH Tattoo Studio who are actively involved in community events such as organizing the Día de Los Muertos celebration.

• Volunteer of the Year – Bianca De Los Reyes, a HEFA (higher education for all) mentor of high school students, typically first generation or low-income students as they apply to college; Joseph Estrada, president of the Ceres Jr Bulldogs Youth Football and Cheer Organization; and Ray Smith who is active in the Ceres Lions Club;

• Young Citizen of the Year – Alina Raya, a Central Valley High School freshman who is active in FFA and a myriad of other community activities; and Dominic Martinez, an 11-year-old volunteer for Love Ceres, Ceres Police holiday events and the Ceres Street Faire.

• Small Business of the Year – Divine Dental Studio, Modern Urgent Care and Muscle Mechanics Training Center;

• Large Business of the Year – Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers and Turlock Irrigation District;

• Legacy Award, which honors individuals and/or businesses that have contributed through service, support or volunteer efforts to the Ceres community for more than 40 years. Nominees are Shirley Conover, who at age 92 has been a participating homeowner on Ceres Christmas Tree Lane; and the CUSD Foundation, a dedicated non-profit organization, is committed to fostering continuous support for supplemental programs and opportunities.

• First responder of the Year – Police Chief Trenton Johnson and lifelong Ceres volunteer and supporter; and Fire Captain Joe Spani who started his career with the Ceres Fire Department in 2007 and has served Ceres and Stanislaus County for 20 years.

The community is invited to vote for favorites online between now and Dec. 31 at www.cereschamberofcommerce.org

Since 1969, the Ceres Chamber of Commerce has recognized individuals for their service to the community; business and civic attainment on a local, state, national or international level; leadership; awareness of the needs of others; and distinctive accomplishments that have brought favorable attention to Ceres, their industry or organization.

All nominees will be invited to the Chamber’s annual banquet scheduled for 6 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 23 at the Ceres Community Center.