We have teamed up with our great partners at Members 1st Federal Credit Union on this “Community Heroes” program.
The definition of a hero reaches far and wide. As we all know, not all heroes wear capes. Whether it be a teacher going above and beyond, a co-worker managing a stressful & busy schedule, a community organizer keeping essential services running, a student volunteering their time to assist elderly neighbors, or a military member, first responder, or medical professional—these are our everyday heroes.
Pocono Raceway and Members 1st Federal Credit Union would like to identify some of those heroes through this program. If you have a hero in mind fill out the form below and tell us how much your hero means to you and what they are doing in their communities. Submissions will be collected from March 25, 2026 – April, 20 2026.
Upon review of all of the community hero stories, Three (3) Winners will be selected. They will be awarded the following:
Overall Community Hero
-(2) Cup Series Garage & Pit Passes
-(2) Sunday Terrace Club tickets, (2) Saturday 300 Level tickets, (2) Friday GA tickets
-$500 Visa Card from Members 1st Federal Credit Union
Above & Beyond Hero
-(2) Sunday Terrace Club tickets, (2) Saturday 300 Level tickets, (2) Friday GA tickets
-$500 Visa Card from Members 1st Federal Credit Union
Up and Coming Hero (Under 18)
-(2) Sunday Terrace Club tickets, (2) Saturday 300 Level tickets, (2) Friday GA tickets
-$500 Visa Card from Members 1st Federal Credit Union
2026 Winners
Overall Community Hero – Bruce Barton
Bruce Barton has spent the past 54 years leading search-and-rescue missions and disaster response efforts, saving lives both across the globe and in his own community. He served on the U.S. Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) rescue mission following the 1988 Armenia earthquake, coordinated K-9 recovery efforts at Fresh Kills after 9/11, and led more than two months of search operations following Hurricane Katrina. His canine partners alone have located more than 150 individuals over the years.
Barton also has made courageous life-saving efforts, including rescuing two young men trapped in raging floodwaters near Stroudsburg (Pa.) High School, locating a missing family after a plane crash and saving lost hikers in freezing conditions.
Above & Beyond Hero – Kat Locke Jones
Kat Locke Jones was honored for her impact on youth mental health after losing her brother, Sean, to depression in 2018. She and her family founded SL24: UnLocke the Light Foundation and transformed her brother’s Delaware home into a youth mental health support center for those battling anxiety and depression. Since 2019, the foundation has impacted more than 110,000 kids, helped save 214 lives and raised $750,000 this year alone through the SL24 Basketball Classic. The foundation’s reach extends across Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and beyond.
In addition to her non-profit work, Locke Jones is an award-winning educator who was named Baltimore City Schools Teacher of the Year and Maryland State Teacher of the Year, earning both honors in 2024.
Up and Coming Hero -Ronnie Munro
Ronnie Munro was named the “Up & Coming Hero” for his dedication to the needs of an elderly neighbor in his family’s apartment complex.
His neighbor, Sharon, who had suffered multiple strokes, received support from family and care workers, but the home-schooled youngster provided something more through a meaningful and growing friendship. He offers companionship, whether playing cards or helping around the house, and regularly helps prepare and cook fresh meals for her at least once a week.
