And the Semifinalists Are …

We received hundreds of nominations, chose 50 semifinalists, then narrowed the list down to 20. Now, we are thrilled to present our 5 winners, selected from among YOUR nominees. Today's Extraordinary Grandparents are in the news! See some nominees who were interviewed by local TV stations here. How are you going to celebrate Grandparents Day? For activity ideas and more, click here.

Thirty years ago, Helena, of Washington, D.C., came up with the idea of taking grandchildren on vacation without their parents. Since that time, she has enriched the lives of thousands of grandparents and grandchildren. Her company, Grandtravel, incorporates education and fun into special vacations that serve to increase understanding and establish a loving bond between generations. Nominated by Elliot, a business associate, friend, and fan.

Norma, of Belton, Mo., has an endless supply of energy. She is involved in the community: organizing senior events, conducting fund-raisers for various nonprofits, and reading to students at five elementary schools. Norma sings in the choir, volunteers with the children at church, and makes memory bears for hospice patients. Her kids say she does everything "with a smile and a happy heart." Nominated by her fellow choir-member and friend, Christine.

"Papa Dan is everyone's favorite Grandpa," says Sundae Flannigon about her husband, Daniel, of Bakersfield, Calif. He has taught his grandkids many life lessons, including how to build birdhouses and how to fix cars. Daniel always makes time to play with the kids, talk to them, and teach them new things. Nominated by his wife, Sundae.

Although her granddaughters have moved on from their small elementary school in Pekin, Ill., Grandma Jean, grandmother of four, is still there in her hometown — and she is the teachers' most reliable volunteer. Jean believes the children need her — and she needs them right back. So she gives her time and her love to every school activity from the popcorn committee to the PTA. Nominated by Denise, PTA pal and friend.

Richard, of San Jose, Calif., a grandfather of three, has been involved in his granddaughter's school since she was in kindergarten, and is known as "Papa" to the entire school. He has enjoyed a very active role in the PTA, starting off as a local volunteer and working his way up to become incoming president of the Sixth District PTA in California. Richard has taken on the challenge of increasing the participation of men and grandparents in the PTA. Nominated by his wife, Lupe.

How does making 600 cookies in one week for your grandkids sound? Loine, a Hastings, Neb., grandmother has 18 grandchildren who are not complaining! This gourmet grandma takes cookie orders by text and she delivers love in every bite. Climbing up rows of bleachers at high school sporting events, watching three-hour dance recitals, even cheering at soccer games in the rain are all in a day's play for her. Nominated by Kayla, her granddaughter.

Substitute music teacher in her grandchildren's school district, Arlene of Valley Cottage, N.Y., an active PTA board member, and a grandmother of four is not only committed to her grandchildren, but also to all children in the school community. She has taught them to lift their spirits and enrich their lives with music. Nominated by Cynthia, friend and PTA copresident.

Raised in Haiti and arriving in the States at 18, Rose Marie, of Rochester, N.Y., a grandmother of three, was a housewife for 18 years. She received her Ph.D. at 40 and turned into reality her dream of helping disadvantaged youth in her homeland. Her organization, called hopehaiti.org, helps one of the most underserved communities in the world. Today, she is a professor of anthropology and continues to remain in tune with the pulse of our nation's youth. Nominated by Hillary, her daughter-in-law.

Kris Bare, of Metamora, Ill., a junior-high math teacher, is retiring early so she can be a stay-at-home grandmother to her daughter’s two sons, including Garrett, a 2-year-old with Down syndrome. Doctors are amazed at how advanced he is despite his condition, and the family credits Kris’s love and attention for his progress. Nominated by her sister-in-law, Teresa.

Edna, of Weslaco, Tex., a grandmother of four, has for the past two years homeschooled her grandson, Jared, who has autism. Edna calls it a "labor of love" and says she hasn't regretted a moment. Jared couldn't be happier to have his grandmother by his side.

Alene, of Palm Harbor, Fla, is an "amazing grandmother" of five, who makes sure that building family and community is at the center of everything she does. She has organized as many as 300 student-volunteers and holds "granny camp" for her own grandchildren. Students love her most for the outdoor classroom she organized and built. Nominated by Amy, her daughter.

With 9 grandchildren — and one more on the way — Dennis and Gelia, of Lakeside, Calif., understand the tremendous value of "time spent together as a family." Grandpa Dennis, a high school teacher for 37 years is a "kid magnet." Gelia is very involved in local schools and children’s hospitals. The Cooks' activities with their grandchildren include camping and, for Grandma Gelia, taking the teens shopping. Nominated by Heather, their daughter.

Kathy, of Ellicott City, Md., is known as "Nanny" to her five grandchildren, who don’t know how they would get through the week without her! Nanny attends all the kids' sporting events and school programs, she takes them on vacation, bakes their birthday cakes, and teaches them the important life lesson of giving back to the less fortunate. She does all this while working full-time and living 30 minutes away from the kids. Nominated by daughter, Jessica.

Granny "Nannies" Dave and Patti, of New Canaan, Conn., went way beyond extraordinary when they moved from their home in Texas to help full-time with their two grandkids in Connecticut. They fill each day with teaching, playful activities, and meaningful conversation. The Nannies are creating a wealth of moments the kids will never forget. Nominated by daughter, Dina.

The challenges that Cindy, of Riverside, Calif., a grandmother of one, has faced raising her special-needs granddaughter, now 10, inspired Cindy to start a support group for grandparents raising grandchildren. She also has a full-time job assisting grandparents of children with special needs. Recently, Cindy returned to school to continue working toward a B.S. in sociology.

Papa, of New Milford, Conn., is the full-time caregiver for his three grandsons; the boys’ parents and their Grammy work. Douglas wouldn’t change things for the world. He loves to help the kids with their studies during the school year — and in summer, he keeps them entertained from morning until night. Most important, Douglas has taught the kids to treat others as they would like to be treated themselves. Nominated by Lynne, his wife.

Lynda, of St. Louis, Mo., has been very involved in the education of her two grandchildren since the kids were in preschool. She has volunteered almost 500 hours to the YWCA helping in the classroom and has spent countless wonderful hours with the kids, including traveling with them outside the country to learn about other cultures. Nominated by Victoria, her granddaughter.

Mary, of Austin, Tex., is a grandmother of two and a great grandmother. Every Tuesday, for at least the past 15 of her 20 years as a volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House, she has delivered a freshly baked cake to the children who are spending time at the center. She also plays piano and sings at an institution for patients with special needs. And at 88, she still dances three times a week. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren call her a "hoot." Nominated by Clint, her friend.

Julia, of Broomfield, Col., is helping to raise five of her ten grandchildren while she holds down a full-time job so that she can support the whole family. She is living in a home that she shares with her son and the five children; it's a home brimming with love. No sacrifice has ever been too great for Julia when it comes to her grandchildren. And despite working and caring for the grandkids, Julia still finds time to volunteer at her church and with other organizations. Nominated by Michelle, her daughter.

Rik, of Wayne, Ill., is an exceptional grandfather of three: He takes the time to teach the grandkids and helps them accomplish so many things, including baking bread, riding a pony, and pounding a nail. He drives more than 400 miles each way to cheer the kids at their concerts and games — and Rik loves to take them on special trips to Italy, Austria, and France so they can learn the culture of other countries. Nominated by Brenda, his stepdaughter.

From Cypress Calif., Priscilla, a grandmother of three, is known as "Gramma Penny." She's made sure she has a car big enough to drive the kids — and also their friends — to school and activities. Gramma Penny is involved in all aspects of her grandchildren's lives; she cheers them on at all their events and even sews costumes for the school plays. Nominated by her daughter, Diana.

Her family calls her "Yaya"; her daughter calls her "remarkable." Lynn, of Ellicott City, Md., a grandmother of two, is always ready to hop in the car for a five-hour trek to give her daughter a hand. At the end of the journey, she digs right in, helping with the housework, the cooking, and the pampering of a toddler and an infant. Kris, her daughter, says that Yaya " ... is a fantastic grandmother to my children. We all love her tremendously and appreciate her more than she'll ever know." Nominated by daughter, Kris.

A Howard, Penn., grandmother of one with another on the way, Valerie’s dedication to children is boundless. She's taught nursery school, is a daycare-center assistant director, and communicates with government officials as a children's advocate. Whenever her U.S. Marine son is deployed overseas, Valerie takes care of her daughter-in-law and granddaughter, sometimes for more than half the year. She has a wonderful bond with her granddaughter and spends her entire vacation with her. Nominated by Kimberly, her daughter.

Quiet and unassuming, Alan, of Newport, Penn., is nonetheless a "grand role model" and companion to his seven step-grandchildren. He is compassionate and understanding, helping them to resolve issues and solve difficult problems. To accommodate the grandkids and give them a place to entertain themselves in summer, Alan has built a giant clubhouse on his property. For the 10-year-old granddaughter he and his wife adopted, Alan is currently building a substantial bedroom. Nominated by his wife, Joanne.

Sandra, of Warwick, R.I., is involved in the upbringing of her four grandchildren. She welcomed her son and his two preschool children into her home, providing a loving environment. She nurtures the children's interests: coaching her grandson at baseball for his Little League team, reading to them, and teaching them positive life lessons. She also provides support for her other grandchildren, flying across the country to help her daughter when her son-in-law is deployed. Sandra does all this while managing her real estate business — she is truly a "remarkable" grandmother. Nominated by Kelly and Kyle, her children; and Kirsten, her friend and colleague.

Environmentalist and humanitarian Janet, of Nashville, Tenn., is a grandmother of one. She teaches young children to care for the planet through her actions. Janet organized community recycling groups with the purpose of keeping reusable material from being thrown away. She also developed a program to connect local gardeners with families who are hungry, and to connect people who are in need of work. As well, in the wake of 9/11, Janet established the Minus Muffler Project, an initiative to give scarves as random acts of kindness. She and others knitted dozens of scarves and distributed them among the workers at Ground Zero. Then, through word of mouth, the project grew and a total of 2,759 mufflers were given during the first phase. Since then, volunteers worldwide have joined in the endeavor. Nominated by daughter, Amanda.

Lynn, of Hokes Bluff, Ala., is the grandmother of three boys. When her first grandchild was diagnosed with cancer, she became an integral member of the team in his battle with the disease. She acts not only as a caregiver, but also as a provider of emotional support for her daughter. Lynn has done this with amazing grace. She is a most caring, loving grandmother, as well as a wonderful friend. Nominated by her friend, Paula.

For Sharon, of Allenhurst, Ga., a grandmother of seven, nothing means more to her than spending time with her grandkids. She took care of four of them when their parents were deployed — making pancakes, giving love, and receiving plenty in return. Her grandsons draw pictures, collect sparkly rocks, and ask for pancakes; her granddaughter treats her to hairdos and manicures at home.

This Lakeland, Fla. grandmother of three has "made a true difference in the lives of many, many children." Besides raising her daughter and her daughter's two children, one of whom has autism, Debby, through an organization called GAL, has devoted her life to volunteering to help abused, neglected, or otherwise at-risk children. Nominated by her son, Mike.

Despite health problems, this grandmother of 11, from Vincennes, Ind., has taught her grandchildren that life is bigger than oneself. Through her example, they have learned the true gift of giving. Together they serve as volunteers at the community food pantry; they also coordinate outreach for the WE CARE military program, packing boxes for Knox County military stationed far away from family. In addition, Lois organizes the annual Christmas gift-drive for 250 needy children. Nominated by RSVP director Patty.

This grandmother of four from Ashtabula, Ohio, is generous, adopting two children because their mothers were unable to care for them. Their happiness is Tracy's priority, and she treats them — as she does her own grandchildren — with love and affection — and they treat her as their grandma. She has told them that they are her "Number One," as she most definitely is theirs. Nominated by her granddaughter, Alivia.

No matter what he’s doing, Clem Velasquez of Garland, Texas, is never too busy to teach his two grandchildren some important life skills or spend quality time with them. Thanks to his careful guidance, his grandchildren can change the oil in a car, ride a bike, and make a delicious cheese crisp. Clem is always ready to play basketball, ride a bike, or go on a walk with his grandchildren. He believes that whatever shortcomings he may have had in raising his children, he can remedy by bettering his grandchildren’s lives. Nominated by his wife, Linda.

Neloma, a grandmother of one, from Bloomsdale, Miss., is her grandson's primary caregiver from Thursday through Sunday. She picks him up from day care and spoils him, carefully planning her days to accommodate his schedule and needs. She also buys his clothing, shoes, and toys. Once school starts, Neloma will only see him on weekends, but she has entered this contest in the hopes that if she is chosen, the money will go to the great day-care center her grandson attends before and after school.

For Anna Marie, of Springfield, La., weekly letters, phone calls, and personal videos are in her communications' arsenal of ways to keep in touch with her eight grandchildren. Contents of each vary by season; during the fall there are videos of pumpkin carving, and in the spring packages of garden tools and seeds. Every year, she also takes one grandchild to Disney World for a week. As great an organizer as she is, Anna Marie also lets her playful side shine, letting the grandkids paint her face at museums, planning activities they don’t usually do at home, and creating special bath rituals. Nominated by her husband, Harold.

After a seven-year custody battle over her two granddaughters, Marietta, of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., finally succeeded in the long endeavor. When she discovered there wasn’t a support group in southern Florida for children being raised by relatives, Marietta and her granddaughters founded "Bella’s Group," named after the granddaughter who sparked the search for such a group. Marietta has empowered Isabella to reach out to others and help. The group organizes four parties a year for members to meet and share their experiences. Nominated by her friend, Bruce.

Steve, a grandfather of three, of Matthews, N.C. has a younger grandson, who lives in the same town; the boy has a serious case of hero worship, calling "Pop Pop" his best friend, giving him a stuffed animal, and matching clothes so they can be alike. But who wouldn’t be enamored of Pop Pop — he always has time to play in the pool, build a tree house, read a book, or go to the park and picnic with his grandsons. Every summer, Steve flies a grandson, who lives farther away, to North Carolina for some "one-on-one time." His wife, Debbie, says it brings tears to her eyes to watch them together. Nominated by his wife, Debbie.

Known to her granddaughter as "GG," this grandmother of one, from New York City, encourages her granddaughter to excel in every aspect of life. Gloria's granddaughter has even referred to GG as her "second mother" because she has had such a positive effect on her life — encouraging her to overcome shyness, instilling in her the importance of helping others, and — for fun — having her visit for weekly sleepovers. Gloria is helping to transform her granddaughter's Bat Mitzvah into a charitable opportunity. Guests' gifts are to be donations for a foundation Gloria helped her granddaughter set up for the children's division of a hospital and for a community service organization. On top of that, the centerpieces on the tables will be basketfuls of nonperishable foods that will go to an organization that provides children with free breakfast during the summer. Nominated by Marisa, her granddaughter.

Jose and Martha of Houston, Tex., grandparents of two, took in their then newborn granddaughter when their daughter was deployed. Seven years later, they continue to help their daughter raise her two children while the children's father is in the military and finishes school. Jose and Martha act as their grandchildren’s second set of parents, and make sure the children feel safe and loved. Nominated by their daughter, Alejandra.

Jim, of Downers Grove, Ill., a grandfather of three, is "the best Grampa in the whole world." He shows his love by driving 88 miles each day to take the grandkids to swim lessons and other activities. Jim paints the grandchildren's bedrooms in a Disney Princess motif and makes matching furniture. Most important, he hugs, cuddles, teaches — and never complains. Nominated by his wife, Janet.

Ronald and Marie, of South San Francisco, Calif., are cherished grandparents of three. They are involved in their grandchildren’s PTA: attending luncheons, meetings, and helping out at fundraisers. Ronald even helps the custodian take down and fold the flag. The couple added to the fun of a school trip, accompanying their granddaughter and daughter to Washington, D.C., and New York City. Nominated by their daughter, Karen.

Bill of Decatur, Ala., a grandfather of seven, is "a special grandpa" to all the children who know him — those in schools, at a nearby children's hospital, and in the neighborhood. A great mentor who helped organize a reading day at the hospital, Bill often dresses in costume as various Disney characters and as Santa to entertain the children there. He also spends time teaching his own grandchildren by taking them hiking, playing in streams, or just listening to them. Nominated by his wife, Jayne.

Angeline of Pines, Fla., a grandmother of two, displays commitment and loyalty to her family. When her daughter's businesses dissolved due to the economy, she moved in with her daughter's family and pitched in. She not only contributes financially to the household — for her granddaughters' dance, gymnastics, and cheerleading lessons — but helps them with school work and teaches them to give back to the community. Angeline volunteers at fundraisers in the community and at a children's hospital, where she is a nurse. Nominated by her daughter, Nicole.

Teresa Marie of Milwaukee, Wis., is a grandmother of four. Her 13-year-old granddaughter, the "sunshine of her life," has special needs, and lives with Teresa Marie and her husband. Together, they give up many free hours to care for her — and even registered their granddaughter in an expensive private school because she was not thriving in her present school. Besides raising rescued kittens, Teresa Marie, a poet, enjoys spending time writing and drawing in her journal. Nominated by her granddaughter, Michelle.

Cathy, of Sergeant Bluff, Iowa, a grandmother of five, is raising her adopted daughter's young daughter and devotes herself to the child. Cathy moved her business into her home to work around the child's needs. And she always finds time to entertain her own kids and grandkids in her inviting home. Nominated by her sister, Charle.

Mildred, of El Cajon, Calif., a grandmother of two, is caring for her grandson; his mom is in the Air Force and scheduled to spend 14 weeks training in Texas. Recently, Mildred was diagnosed with a serious illness, but she insists that she will continue to mind her grandson, even though her daughter offered to return home and take over the responsibility. Mildred told her daughter that her grandson would be a help to her. Nominated by her daughter, Sha'Quanda.

More than 20 years ago, Bob, of Hadley, Mass., a grandfather of one, started, along with his wife and daughter, Annie and the Natural Wonder Band — music that educates and entertains children about nature. The band performs at the United Nations, the Bronx Zoo, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, schools, and libraries. Recently, Bob and his wife relocated to live with their daughter and granddaughter; they are enjoying bringing their granddaughter on the musical journey. Nominated by his daughter, Elizabeth.

Trudy, of Yakima, Wash., a grandmother of four grandsons, knows how to entertain and relate to the boys. Besides gardening with them — getting right down into the dirt, bugs, and worms — Trudy knows all about the sports that interest them. As for shopping, she takes a beeline to the boys' clothing department, where she finds exactly what they need. Nominated by her husband, Keith.

Samshad and Ramend, of Ewa Beach, Hawaii, grandparents of two, look after their granddaughter while their daughter is away on active duty with the Air Force. Both grandparents work full-time and still find time to spend with their granddaughter. They help her stay in touch with her mother via webcam, and have taught themselves how to use different Web applications successfully, including e-mail, Skype, and chatting. Most important, they have made a positive impact on their grandchild's life at a formative time — from baby to toddler — loving and raising her well. Nominated by their daughter, Dorren.

Marta, of Falls Church, Va., a grandmother of two, keeps the kids moving constantly. They stay in shape with exercise and by taking part in fun activities — like going to the park. Marta has taught her grandchildren how to paint and make crafts, and she often takes them to interesting places. Nominated by her daughter, Rafael.

Paulette, of Funkstown, Md., a grandmother of one, takes care of her granddaughter while her daughter is deployed. She provides a warm, stable environment for the child. The two do homework together, visit the aquarium, go camping, and keep busy with everyday activities.

Share your own extraordinary grandparent story! Go to the Group. See the contest's official rules here.