Today, we introduce a few of the nominees who have already made New York a better place through their selfless actions and unflagging dedication.

Frank Mosco was the owner of a small technology company that was competing for a city contract to build school computer rooms in 1998 when four hoodlums pulled him off a Queens street into a van.

"Keep your mouth shut or we'll kill you," they said. But Mosco didn't shut up. Despite having the lowest bid to create computer labs in six Jamaica public schools, his company still lost. Ignoring the death threats, Mosco started his own investigation, which discovered a contract bidding process rife with corruption at the Board of Education. The revelations led to the conviction of schools superintendent Celestine Miller and others.

"What impressed me was Frank's sense of indignation over the corruption," said Mark Harrington, who has nominated Mosco for the Post's Community Liberty Medal.

Five years later, things are looking up for Mosco, 31. He is engaged and has moved from his native Queens to Westchester to be closer to his young daughter.

"People have the attitude with corruption of 'That is the way things are," said Mosco. "I don't accept that. My grandfather was a community activist and I was taught that you had to earn your place on this earth."