CNN Heroes

For the second year now, CNN searches for extraordinary people the world considers heroes. And out of thousands of nominees, they've finally narrowed it down to ten.

This year the ten include a Louisiana native who has rebuilt the homes of 120 families affected by Katrina, a Detroit native helping hundreds of Senegalese girls in school and business and a formerly incarcerated woman who keeps children connected with their imprisoned parents through video.

After reading their stories, I've realized that not only are these people really "heroes" but also that they are truly remarkable. As a reward each finalist will receive $25,000. The public then decides (voting is now closed) who the 'Hero of the Year' is. The winner wins an additional $100,000.

The show was this past Saturday with celebrity guests including CNN's own Anderson Cooper, Taylor Swift, Jessica Biel, Rachel Zoe, Terrence Howard and performances by John Legend and Alicia Keys.

Be sure to catch the show and see who the big winner is when it airs on Thanksgiving Day at 9PM on CNN.

To find out more about this year's nominees, check out CNN.