I'm not sure who picks or votes for the Minnesota Person of the Year, or if there even is one, but I would like to nominate Zach Sobiech. Zach, a Lakeland teen who died of cancer in May, taught us how important it is to cherish every minute of every day. In his final year he wrote the very moving and heartfelt song "Clouds." Not only is it sentimental, it has also raised more than $100,000 for cancer research ("Singing of hope and joy," Dec. 6). If nothing else, I would like to say thank you, Zach, for your inspiration.

DON SCHUMACHER, Delano, Minn.