A HERO AMONG US: St. Louis Juvenile Court Judge Jimmie Edwards is a national finalist for People magazine's 2011 People Readers' Choice Hero campaign.

Edwards was chosen by the editors of the magazine because of his Innovative Concept Academy, which he created in 2009 in the abandoned Blewett Middle School on Cass Avenue as an alternative school for juvenile offenders. The school is across the street from where Edwards grew up.

Innovative Concept Academy and Edwards will be featured in the Oct. 3 issue of People magazine, which will be available on newsstands Friday.

The winner of the hero campaign will receive $10,000 to use for the charity of his or her choice. Edwards is competing with eight individuals or groups for the award. Vote by clicking here. Voting runs through Oct. 13.