Rome Resident Recognized as 'Five-Star Hero'

Marshall Plants of Rome has been named the winner of the inaugural Five-Star Hero contest sponsored by YellaWood. The contest awards one winner and their nominator a VIP experience at the YellaWood 500 this October.

“A true hero won’t admit to being one. So you’ll have to do it for them,” the intro reads on the pressure treated pine brand’s contest site .

Plants, who retired as GIS manager for the city of Rome, was selected as the winning Five-Star Hero based on his extraordinary courage during a fiery car accident over five decades ago, where he saved his sister’s life.

In March 1968, a routine drive to school in Rome took a life-altering turn for then-18-year-old Plants and his 11-year-old sister, Anita (now Anita Sealock). After a devastating crash engulfed their car in flames, onlookers tried to pull Plants away from the burning wreckage, unaware his sister was still trapped. Despite severe burns, Plants refused to leave the scene until his sister was rescued, shouting to alert bystanders that she was still inside the car. His persistence and quick thinking led to her rescue, and Sealock has called her brother a hero ever since.

“Had it not been for my brother, I would have died that day,” she wrote in her entry. “He was never recognized as a hero, but to me he is!!! Even today, many years later, I introduce him as my brother, my hero.”

The Five-Star Hero Contest aims to honor ordinary individuals doing extraordinary things for others.

As this year’s winners, Plants and Sealock will receive an all-inclusive experience at the YellaWood 500 on Oct. 6 at Talladega Superspeedway. It includes suite tickets, hot laps, VIP garage tours, and the honor of Plants waving the green flag as the race’s honorary starter.

In addition, YellaWood will donate $10,000 on Plants’ behalf to a charity of his choice.

“It’s a tremendous honor,” Plants said upon learning of his win. “I feel very humbled, and I’m honored to wear that YellaWood title.”

“Marshall’s story is a testament to the heroism we see in our communities every day,” said Jimmy Rane, CEO of Great Southern Wood Preserving. “We’re proud to honor him and celebrate the unsung heroes who make our world a better place.”