Last Chance: Who Made a Difference in 2012?

Syosset is filled with special people who make a difference, people who make an impact on our lives on a regular, sometimes daily, basis.

There are educators, business owners, volunteers, public officials, clergy members and others working to make Syosset a better place.

Joshua Lafazan won the 2011 title for his work founding Safe Ride Syosset. He was later elected to the Syosset Board of Education and is one of the youngest elected officials in New York State.

"I am humbled and honored to be nominated as a person who matters in Syosset," reacted Lafazan to the announcement. "I want to wish a special congratulations to my fellow nominees, and everyone else whose efforts help make Syosset the special place it is. I wish everyone a happy New Years, and please remember to DESIGNATE before you CELEBRATE."

A year has passed since his win and now we're looking for the most influential Syosset and Woodbury residents of 2012.

Nominate candidates in the comment section below, on our Facebook wall, or by Tweeting us @SyossetPatch. Give us the name of your nominee and why they belong on our list. We will run a poll with the top 10 nominees in the last week of December. Previous honorees are exempt from being nominated.