Sammie Nominations Open

Know an outstanding federal employee who deserves to be recognized for his or her achievements? The Partnership for Public Service announced on Wednesday that nominations are now open for the 2011 Service to America Medals program.

Medal categories include homeland security; career achievement; call to service; citizen services; national security and international affairs; justice and law enforcement; and environment, science and technology. All career civilian federal employees are eligible, and anyone may submit a nomination.

Last year's medal winners range from a Citizenship and Immigration Services employee who united Haitian orphans with their adoptive families after a devastating earthquake, to an FBI intelligence analyst whose work resulted in the conviction of more than 600 sexual predators and the rescue of more than 1,150 children.

Winners will be selected based on three main criteria: impact of their work on meeting the needs of the nation, on-the-job innovation, and commitment to public service. The awards are accompanied by cash prizes, from $3,000 to $10,000.

Thirty finalists will be honored in the spring during Public Service Recognition Week at a Capitol Hill awards ceremony, and the winners will be feted in October at a gala in Washington.

To learn more about the Sammies, or to nominate your favorite federal employee, click here.