Community "Beacons" are different than the Beacons nominated and chosen by the individual schools. While the school-identified Beacons are people important to the individual schools, the community Beacons are people for whom particular mascots and colors are less important. These are not just successful people -  many people are successful as measured by wealth and notoriety. No, these are people who have reached their status in our community by being willing to help. These are people we turn to in times of need. Whether a community swimming facility, turf fields, support in the way of advertising, donations, or sponsorship of local youth athletic teams, these are the members of our community who rarely say no to our kids. They are truly "Beacons of Excellence and Leadership through Athletics".

School "Beacons" are those people, as identified by each school, who have been involved in the respective athletic program of that school. These are people who have (or may still be) furthering the mission of developing students who "focus on excellence in academics, leadership, character development, and competition as a vital part of the educational experience." These honorees can range from great Salem-Keizer athletes to great coaches to great supporters. What they cannot be is without great character, great integrity, and a much bigger picture of what athletics can do for young people. These Beacons are proud Royal Scots, Celtics, Vikings, Saxons, Olympians, and Titans.