The unsung heroes of Mankato and surrounding areas were recognized today.The 2009 Jefferson Good People Awards were held at the Kato Ballroom.The event is put on every year by KEYC, Fox Mankato, Lloyd Lumber, Bethany Lutheran College and Just Ask Rental.Nine people were honored for their service to their communities.One person from the group will be selected to attend the Jefferson Awards in Washington D.C.Last year's winner Diane Dobitz was on hand and says it was an experience of a lifetime.Diane Dobitz says, "It really was a profound experience. To be with all of these other people was, I called it a blast of hope. It just really made me believe that we just have to be positive and that we can make a difference. Each one of us."All of us here at KEYC want to once again congratulate all of this years Jefferson Good People Award Winners.