From a Samaritan who is looking after his new neighbors to our oldest winner ever (by 150 million years), these 2024 honorees have made a lasting mark on the city.

Photography by Clarissa Bonet and Kevin Serna

December 3, 2024, 6:00 am

Matt DeMateo

The Good Neighbor

Christy George

The Party Host

The Chicago Archaeopteryx

The Prize Fossil

Steve Newcomb

The Highway Hero

Harry Lennix

The Return Player