EDITED BY GEOFFREY JOHNSON

Our six Chicagoans of the Year for 2010 share a praiseworthy trait with the 121 honorees who preceded them over the last 17 years. An educator, a sportsman, a preservationist, an orthopedic surgeon, a mother searching for a cure, and a woman offering shelter from the storm—they are all passionate about revitalizing some aspect of our city. At a January luncheon at the Four Seasons, sponsored in part by American Airlines, Chicago will celebrate the achievements of these extraordinary people and reward each of them with a $1,000 donation from the Chicago Tribune Foundation for the charity of their choice. Click the thumbnails below for more on each honoree.