key players AMBASSADORS 2003

Key players that are making a difference in children's lives

Mr. Dat Dang is a member of the Vietnamese-American Civic Association. He is a liaison between the Vietnamese community and Springfield, Mass. Schools. Dang is a hardworking role model for Vietnamese youth in the area, and is especially respectful of the elderly. He also serves as a volunteer for the mid-autumn festival on various nights and weekends.  

Mr. Al Dunbar is a long-time Springfield Jewish Community Center tennis coach who has a profound impact on youth. He is the father of two girls. When his girls were young, he would set up a tent on the grounds of the JCC for the girls so that he could teach and be a hands-on parent during the summer.

Mr. Jose Gonzalez is a single father dedicated to his five children. He was nominated by his daughter who wrote, “My father is always there for me when me or my brothers need him.”

Mr. Lenny Harris is a security guard for the Springfield Library. He enjoys speaking with kids, helping them find books and use the computer while he works at the library. He helps provide children with a safe environment. Children who use the library nominated Mr. Harris.

Mr. Anthony C. Hill, a native of Springfield, MA, attended the public schools of Springfield, MA and has been married for twelve years to Mrs. Renay Ryan Hill.  They have been blessed with two beautiful daughters, Ajanay Keziah (6) and Tiffany Imani (3 months).  Anthony has worked for several years in church ministry. He has worked as co- youth directors & Vacation Bible School directors with his wife, has been a Sunday School teacher for adults and teens for over 10 years, has served on the Deacon ministry, was the founder and director of a church mentoring program for boys (The B.L.E.S.S. Program), and currently participates in a community outreach ministry to The Springfield Rescue Mission and the nursing home ministry at Wingate Healthcare in Springfield. Anthony has extensive experience in both the fields of social work and education and has been employed as a clinician, case manager, adjunct faculty member, school social worker, assistant principal, and principal.  He currently works as the associate director of field work at Smith College School of Social Work.  He received his Bachelor's degree from Springfield College in Human Services & Administration, a Master's of Social Work degree from University of Pennsylvania, a certificate of advanced study in educational administration at Springfield College, and is currently working towards a doctorate degree in educational administration from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. 

Mr. Eric Maldonado directs youth programs at the New North Citizen’s Council with an office and after school program within Springfield’s Gerena School. He was nominated by young people from the after school programs.

Mr. Jimmy Rivera is a long-time community service worker in Springfield’s North End. Since 1979, he has been the District Recreation Supervisor. Mr. Rivera has dedicated his life to the North End youth. Stories of Jimmy getting kids off the street and involved with sport or other programs abound. He is the father of four.

Mr. Kevin Ross, a truck driver for Hood, has raised a number of children through blended families, relatives, as well as his own blood. He coaches sports at the Family Center. Many years ago, he had a near-death experience and has since dedicated his non-working hours to children. One nominee wrote, “Ross brings us to games and buys us ice cream and helps us with our schoolwork.”

Mr. Bishop N.L. Stoval works as a barber in Mason Square, on Catherine Street in Springfield, Mass. He deeply cares about his community and family. His son plays basketball at the Dunbar and Mr. Stoval attends all of the games, finding any way possible to lend a helping hand. He is a committed and selfless man. In addition to following his son’s activities, he actively participates in the lives of his grandson, as well as many surrogate sons.

Mr. John "Big John" Williams is a social worker that volunteers at the MLK Community Center. He is the founder of the “I Got Game” youth basketball education program consisting of 250 youth. He is the father of young children, ages 11-13.