BURLINGTON — The founder of the grass-roots organization dedicated to helping her community will be honored by the Ohio Department of Aging.

On May 20, Harriette Ramsey, who started the Concerned Citizens of Burlington, will be inducted into the department’s Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame. Ramsey, who is the librarian at Burlington Elementary School, is one of 12 individuals from all over the state to be so honored.

“(Starting the Concerned Citizens) was one of her main accomplishments,” John Ratliff, department spokesperson, said. “We were impressed by her overall sense of community and her desire to lift others up.”

The Hall of Fame was begun in 1977 to honor the contributions seniors make to their hometown.

“We are looking for individuals who represent what we believe to be a positive image of aging,” Ratliff said. “At the department we encourage people to be Golden Buckeyes. Golden Buckeyes are not defined by their age. They are inspired by it. They are individuals who live a life that is defined by that.”

Nominations are taken from an online process year-round and internally. The department also considers individuals who have received positive media coverage for their work.

“We looked for individuals who in their own rights have a compelling story, but taken together would help tell Ohio’s story,” Ratliff said.

This year there were 33 nominations.

Recently Ramsey found out by letter that she was one of the inductees.

“I was shocked and humbled by it,” she said. “I have done what I have done because I love my community.”