Last week, Patch ran a poll asking readers to vote for Levittown's Person of the Year, which you can review here.

We also asked users to submit comments as to why their choice deserved the award. Here, below, are highlights from those submissions:

Rickie Santer:

"[Rickie] is a tremendous asset to the Nassau County Safe Kids Coalition in helping us provide safety education to elementary school children. He has worked alongside physicians, the fire marshal, and other professionals to present a variety of programs including pedestrian, bike helmet safety, water safety and fire/burn safety.

Rickie is an outstanding young man. I am impressed with his leadership qualities and motivational skills. I have observed him interact with the Circle K (college) and Key Club (high school) students, and both obviously look up to him.  He responds with strong, positive direction and enthusiasm. He is often willing to help us out in a pinch, and usually goes above and beyond what is being requested. Please see the attached photos (above) that "speak" the thousand words that I could say." - Catherine Blotiau, Coordinator, Nassau County Safe Kids Coalition

"Rickie is above and beyond everyone. He’s a young man who has done so much locally, nationally and statewide. This boy, a kid, has done so much for this community." - Ann Torcivia, President, Levittown Kiwanis

Mike Pappas:

"Mike deserves this recognition for continuously working hard to make this school district and community the best it can be. It has not been easy for him, but he does not give up and seems even more determined when challenges seem impossible. He helped bring super changes to the Levittown School District, congratulations Mike!" - Marie Pustorino, Seaford

"My two boys played baseball for Levittown North Little League for over 10 years and I can honestly say Mike Pappas has always been a fair and dedicated man. He would be at the fields all day long for the children, and even though he was exhausted he still managed to smile. This is a well deserved honor for such a great family man." - Elva Lugo, Levittown

"I have has the pleasure of working with Mr. Pappas on several school district committees. His commitment to the education of our students and to the taxpayers of our school district is often overlooked. I commend him for the numerous voluntary time he gives to us -- way to go Mike!" - Ginny Civil

The Island Trees boys soccer team:

"I think the Dan Haggerty boys soccer team should hands down win the person of the year. The story is amazing and affects not just a person and not just a team, but a whole entire community. I think all the candidates are worthy, but this story is unbelievable, especially through the holiday season." - Chris S.

"They just recently went to his mother's house in Levittown, where he is recovering, and decorated the front yard for the holidays. Dan was able to watch them through the window. Dan's response was, 'I really needed to see them and laugh and smile again.' He told me during the season how incredible these kids are and they were giving him such strength to fight this horrible disease. ...To make an impact on a person fighting for life and throwing away selfish goals was unforgettable to see and be a part of." - Head Coach Graham Radcliffe

Kathleen Vaughan Ware contributed to this report.